Russia 1914-SP BC 20 kopeks
This specimen was lot 72195 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, October 2021), where it sold for $180. The catalog description[1] noted, "RUSSIA. 20 Kopeks, 1914-CNB BC. St. Petersburg Mint. Nicholas II. NGC MS-67. This superb Gem example boast a bold crisp strike with lustrous surfaces and frosty devices." This type is listed for 1867-93 and 1901-14. The nineteenth century dates are scarce in nice condition but the later dates are common with, of course, the exception of the proofs. Mintmaster Elikum Babayantz issued regular circulation strikes 1906-12 and proofs only in 1913 whereas mintmaster BC is noted for 1912-17. In 1914, Russia plunged into World War One, which conflict would lead to the destruction of the regime. This is the last and most common date of the type.
Recorded mintage: 52,750,000.
Specification: 3.6 g, 0.500 fine silver, .058 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: KM-Y20a.2.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Bitkin, Vladimir, Composite Catalogue of Russian Coins, Part II (1740-1917), Kiev: Moneta, 2003.
- Harris, Robert P., Guidebook of Russian Coins, 1725 to 1970, Santa Cruz, CA: Bonanza Press, 1971.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The June 2021 Collector's Choice sale: World and Ancient Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2021.
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