By Chris Chatigny, Numismatist & Cataloger – Stacks Bowers ……
The Stack’s Bowers Galleries official August ANA World’s Fair of Money Auction is edging ever closer. For this preview we have a fantastic and exceedingly rare pattern. This coin was produced in Russia during the reign of Empress Catherine II (the Great).
Also, Catherine II was not a Russian by birth. She became Empress following a coup d’état and the assassination of her husband, Emperor Peter III. Her accession came at the conclusion of the Seven Years’ War.
Russia earned a place among the great powers of Europe under her rule. Her strategy was one of revitalization and expansion. With the council of advisors, including nobles, generals and admirals, she assisted greatly in the expansion of Russia. Through diplomatic means and military conquest, Catherine continued what Peter the Great started. The modernization of Russia into a more Western European society was the goal.
Russian Coin Features
This Russian coin features the crowned arms of Moldavia and Wallachia within a garland of roses atop a pedestal with the date 1773 just below.
The reverse displays the dual denomination of Para and Kopeks. According to the 2003 Diakov catalog, at one point Brekke had commented that only three examples had appeared at auction in the preceding century.
Struck at Peter Gartenberg’s estate in Sadagura (Garden Mountain is Slavic), there can be little doubt about the special status of this coin. Being very well preserved and clearly struck from the freshest dies, this coin features exceptional strike details and gorgeous color.
In addition, his piece is absolutely beautiful when viewed in hand and the plethora of blues along with the lilac, aquamarine and rose patina. This rare piece combines the numismatic rarity and visual beauty into a powerhouse coin that is guaranteed to bring pride to the most sophisticated of collections.
Consignments
While Stack’s Bowers August ANA World’s Fair of Money Auction is no longer open for consignments. However, they are now accepting consignments of world and ancient coins for our January 2017 New York International Auction. In addition to consignments for Chinese and other Asian coins and currency for our April 2017 Hong Kong Showcase Auction. If you are interested in consigning your coins and paper currency (whether a whole collection or a single rarity) be sure to contact one of our consignment directors
