Catalog
1 Rouble - Catherine II 1796
| Issuer | Russian Federation (1991-date) |
|---|---|
| Year | 2009 |
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| Currency | Rouble (1998-date) |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Obverse lettering | Б.М. ЕКАТЕРИНА II ИМПЕРАТРИЦА И САМОДЕРЖИЦА ВСЕРОСС. |
| Reverse description | Central device features the Imperial Russian double-headed eagle displayed, with wings spread, each head surmounted by a separate crown and both heads beneath a single large imperial crown above. The eagle holds a sceptre in its right talon and an orb in its left, with the Moscovite shield on its breast bearing St. George slaying the dragon. The date '1796' appears to the upper left and 'ГОДА' to the upper right, flanking the crowns. Mint initials 'М Р' are placed in the lower field beneath the eagle, separated on either side of the tail. The reverse is bordered by a fine inner dentilated rim. |
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| Additional information |
Issued as part of Russia's ongoing "Historical Series" commemorative program, this piece reproduces the design of the silver rouble struck in the final year of Catherine II's reign — a coin that never officially circulated, as Catherine died in November 1796 before distribution was complete. The originals were largely melted or vaulted under Paul I, who moved quickly to erase his mother's numismatic presence.
Florentine bronze was chosen for the modern restrike series to distinguish replicas from genuine eighteenth-century silver without resorting to obvious modern alloys.