Russia 1802-SP AI 1/4 ruble
This specimen was lot 400 in Sincona sale 78 (Zürich, October 2022), where it sold for 250 CHF (about US$300 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted, "RUSSIA | Russian Empire and Federation | Alexander I. 1801-1825, Polupoltinnik 1802, Banking Mint, SPB AI. 2.25 roubles according to Petrov. Fine. Small scratches." The SCWC records this product of the St. Petersburg mint (СПБ) for 1802-05, with mintmaster AI (AИ) operating 1799-1803. The type is much scarcer than the contemporary rubles (Dav-279). The denomination was terminated in 1810, to be superseded by the twenty-five kopeks in 1827.
Recorded mintage: 324,000.
Specification: 4.14 g, 0.868 fine silver, this specimen 5.20 g.
Catalog reference: KM C121, Bitkin 49 (R).
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th 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]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 78, Russian Coins and Medals, The Grigoriy Stakhorsky Collection, Part 1 and other Properties, Zurich: SINCONA AG, 2022.
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