Russia 1903-SP 3 kopeks
This specimen was lot 75639 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, September 2023), where it sold for $264. The catalog description[1] noted, "RUSSIA. 3 Kopeks, 1903-CNB. St. Petersburg Mint. Nicholas II. NGC MS-64 Brown. A pleasingly original example with remnants of original mint red and a touch of sea-green tone to the peripheries. A wholly attractive, well preserved piece that is well deserving of near-Gem distinction and sure to satisfy its next owner." This type is listed for 1867-71, 1876-84, 1891-1914. Ekaterinburg also struck this type 1867-76 (Y11.1) with a weight of 10.25 g. The nineteenth century dates are scarce in nice condition but the later dates are common with, of course, the exception of the proofs. In 1914, Russia plunged into World War One, which conflict would lead to the destruction of the regime.
Recorded mintage: 11,400,000, fairly common.
Specification: 8 g, copper, 28 mm diameter per the SCWC; 9.83 g, 28.36 mm diameter per Numista.
Catalog reference: KM-Y11.2.
- Bitkin, Vladimir, Composite Catalogue of Russian Coins, Part II (1740-1917), Kiev: Moneta, 2003.
- Brekke, B. F., The Copper Coinage of Imperial Russia, 1700-1917, New York, Galerie des Monnaies, 1977, with 1987 supplement.
- Harris, Robert P., Guidebook of Russian Coins, 1725 to 1970, Santa Cruz, CA: Bonanza Press, 1971.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, September 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction - Ancient & World Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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