Russia 1866-SP HI poltina
This specimen was lot 796 in Sincona sale 19 (Zürich, October 2014), where it sold for CHF 32,000 (about US$40,102 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted, "Poltina 1866, St. Petersburg Mint, HI. Very or extremely rare as a proof! 6 roubles according to Iljin. 3 roubles according to Petrov. 6 roubles acc. to Trapeznikov. Cabinet piece. Choice brilliant proof with beautiful patina. Collector's note: "RR” The mintage of two varieties (with letters HФ or HI), of which this variety (HI) is much rarer, is 22 014 pieces only!" Altho struck in much smaller numbers than the contemporary ruble, this type struck 1859-85 has a lower catalog value. In 1886 the poltina was superseded by a fifty kopek piece weighing 10 g, 0.900 fine.
Recorded mintage: 22,000 (both assayers).
Specification: 10.36 g, 0.868 fine silver, this specimen 10.41 g.
Catalog reference: KM Y24; Bitkin 107 (R1). Severin 3770. GM 12.11.
- 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]Shiryakov, I. V., and Jürg Richter, The Sincona Collection, Part 3 and Russian Coins & Medals from Other Properties, Zürich: Sincona AG, 2014.
Link to: