Belarus 1997 50 rubles Fr-4

Sincona sale 93, lot 1352

This specimen was lot 1352 in Sincona sale 93 (Zurich, 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, Minsk. Two hockey players. Sehr selten. Nur 500 Exemplare geprägt. Das durch NGC höchstbewertete Exemplar, Very rare. Only 500 pieces struck. NGC PF69 ULTRA CAMEO, Finest certified by NGC."

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.

Recorded mintage: 500.

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

Catalog reference: KM 37, Parchimowicz 503, Fr-4.

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, Jurg, SINCONA Auction 93: Russian Coins and Medals, Zurich: 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, biathlon
• 1998 50 rubles, Olympics, hurdling
• Coins and currency dated 1997