4 Kopecks - Elizabeth Novodel, original obverse die

Novodels — restrikes produced by the Imperial Mint for collectors rather than circulation — were manufactured well into the 19th century using original or reconstructed dies. This piece is specifically catalogued as using the original obverse die from 1758, distinguishing it from the numerous fantasy restrikes where new dies were cut to approximate lost originals. The 4 Kopeck denomination in silver had a short and administratively awkward life under Elizabeth, abandoned as Russia moved toward rationalizing its copper and silver coinage relationships under Peter III and Catherine II.