Russia 1784-SP MM ruble Dav-1686
This specimen was lot 338 in Sincona sale 78 (Zurich, October 2022), where it sold for 100 CHF (about US$120 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted, "RUSSIA | Russian Empire and Federation | Catherine II. 1762-1796, Rouble 1784, St. Petersburg Mint, SPB MM. 5 roubles according to Petrov. 8 roubles according to Ilyin. Fine." The coinage of Russia of the eighteenth century is a confusing and fascinating subject. This type, issued 1783-96, is fairly common tho this is a scarce date. Catherine the Great began life as an obscure German princess but became czarina after the murder of her husband. The rubles of Peter II were about 28 grams but this type is only 24 grams.
Recorded mintage: 144,000.
Specification: 24 g, 0.750 fine silver, this specimen is 23.95 g.
Catalog reference: Dav-1686, Bitkin 238 (R1), KM C67c.
- 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.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns, 1700-1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Richter, Jurg, SINCONA Auction 78, Russian Coins and Medals, The Grigoriy Stakhorsky Collection, Part 1 and other Properties, Zurich: SINCONA AG, 2022.
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