Ruble - Nikolai I Marriage of Grand Duke Alexander Nikolaevich

Émetteur Russian Empire
Année 1841
Type Non-circulating coin
Valeur 1 Rouble (1 Рубль)
Devise Rouble (1700-1917)
Composition Silver (.868)
Poids 20.73 g
Diamètre 35.5 mm
Épaisseur
Forme Round
Technique Milled
Orientation Medal alignment ↑↑
Graveur(s) Obverse: Heinrich Gube
Reverse: Nikolay Grachev
En circulation jusqu’à
Référence(s) Bit#898
Description de l’avers In the center of the image of Maria Alexandrovna and Alexander Nikolayevich.
Écriture de l’avers Cyrillic
Légende de l’avers В∙К∙ МАРIЯ АЛЕКСАНДРОВНА * В∙К∙ АЛЕКСАНДР НИКОЛАЕВИЧ * РѢЗАЛЪ ГУБЕ
(Translation: Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna * Grand Duke Alexander Nikolaevich Cut Gube)
Description du revers In the center of the shield, inside the shield the monogram `AM` (Alexander and Maria), above it the Imperial crown, the right of the shield – Cupid with bow in left hand, left – Psyche with a stem of blooming lilies in his right hand, beneath the inscription `APRIL 16` below `1841` (date of marriage).
Écriture du revers Cyrillic
Légende du revers АМ С.П.Б. Н. Г. 16 АПРѢЛЯ 1841 Г.
(Translation: SPB N. G. April 16, 1841 year)
Tranche Reeded
Atelier
Tirage 1841 СПБ - St. Petersburg Mint -
ID Numisquare 1147269570
Informations supplémentaires

Historical Context: Nikolai I (1825-1855), a staunch autocrat, governed a stable Russian Empire. This 1841 ruble commemorates the marriage of his heir, Grand Duke Alexander Nikolaevich (future Alexander II), to Princess Marie of Hesse. This pivotal dynastic event solidified the succession and projected imperial prestige. Such commemorative issues served as significant state pronouncements, reinforcing Romanov authority and celebrating key family milestones amidst Russia's mid-19th century imperial ambitions and internal consolidation.

Artistry: The coin's artistic style, reflecting European Neoclassicism, is evident in its detailed portraiture. Produced at the St. Petersburg Mint, the obverse busts of the Grand Duke and Duchess are attributed to A. Lyalin, with the reverse (imperial crown and monograms) by P. Utkin. This collaboration yielded a design combining classical dignity with meticulous heraldic detail. While engraver signatures are not prominent on the coin, their identities are documented in mint records, typical for Russian imperial issues of this era.

Technical/Grading: For optimal grading, focus on the obverse portraits' high-points: the Grand Duke's uniform details and the Grand Duchess's coiffure and jewelry. On the reverse, the imperial crown's sharpness and the clarity of the intertwined monograms are critical. The large, open fields are prone to contact marks, thus an unblemished surface is a premium attribute. Full, even luster and a crisp, well-defined rim are also crucial indicators of a superior strike and preservation for this commemorative silver issue.

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