1 Rouble - Pyotr III Pattern, Novodel

Peter III ruled for just six months before Catherine II's coup in July 1762 ended his reign — and his life shortly after. The rouble patterns struck in his name were never released for circulation, and the novodels now catalogued under Bit#50–52 are later restrikings produced by the St. Petersburg Mint, almost certainly in the late 18th or 19th century to satisfy collector demand. The mint kept original and working dies far longer than is often appreciated, and novodel production was essentially an official side business.

Distinguishing a genuine 1762 pattern strike from a novodel requires careful examination of die state and edge treatment — the restrikes frequently show sharper fields from cleaned dies.