RUSSIA. Platinum 12 Rubles, 1833-CNB. St. Petersburg Mint. Nicholas I. NGC MS-64 Prooflike.Fr-158; KM-C-179; Bit-42 (R3). Mintage: 255. Standing as perhaps the most elite example of the date, far surpassing the finest certified by PCGS, a mere MS-61, and being the only Prooflike example holdered by NGC.
A giant in both size and RARITY, this example of the largest platinum emission from the series provides a bold reflectivity in the fields and sharp distinguishment in the devices, with the strike being exacting and bold. Inconsistently holdered as business strikes, Proofs, and Specimens, such distinctions are largely immaterial given the overall beauty of the piece that becomes particularly forceful when held in hand. A piece worth of the most exultant cabinet, and destined for a prized collection of the finest numismatic treasures.
