Belarus 1997 50 rubles Fr-3

Sincona sale 93, lot 1353

This specimen was lot 1353 in Sincona sale 93 (Zürich, October 2024), where it sold for 700 CHF (about US$970 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted,

"WEISSRUSSLAND Republik, seit 1991. 50 Rubel 1997, Warsaw Mint. 7.82 g. Olympia Belarus. Biathlet. Sehr selten. Nur 500 Exemplare geprägt, Polierte Platte. Im Originaletui mit Zertifikat, Very rare. Only 500 pieces struck, Choice Proof, In original box with certificate."

Belarus, formerly the Byelorussian S.S.R. of the Soviet Union, declared independence from Russia in 1990, after the collapse of Communism. Alexander Lukashenko was elected president in 1994 and has ruled the country since, most recently as a henchman of Vladimir Putin. This NCLT was struck for the Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. This example has a lot of toning spots for a coins that's supposed to be 0.999 fine gold.

Recorded mintage: 500.

Specification: 7.78 g, 0.999 fine gold, 22 mm diameter, this specimen 7.82 g.

Catalog reference: KM 35, Parchimowicz 504. Fr-3.

Source:

• Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• ^[1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 93: Russian Coins and Medals, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2024.

Link to:

• 1996 ruble, 50th anniversary of the United Nations
• 1996 50 rubles, Olympics, ribbon dancer
• 1996 50 rubles, Olympics, gymnastics
• 1997 50 rubles, Olympics, hockey
• 1998 50 rubles, Olympics, hurdling
• Coins and currency dated 1997