Russia 1913-SP BC 5 kopeks
This specimen was lot 30471 in Heritage sale 3042 (Long Beach, September 2015), where it sold for $1,880. The catalog description[1] noted, "Nicholas II silver Proof 5 Kopecks 1913 CПБ-BC PR66 Ultra Cameo NGC, St. Petersburg mint. Obv. Crowned double-headed Imperial eagle. Rev. Crowned date and value in wreath. Brilliant white, with fully mirrored fields and frosted devices. A stunning example of this very scarce Proof issue." 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 EB 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.
Recorded mintage: 1,300,000 (EB and BC).
Specification: 0.9 g, .500 fine silver, .014 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: Bitkin 190, KM-Y19a.1.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage World Coin Auction 3042, featuring the Read and Bob Bennett Collections, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2015.
- 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.
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