Sev-3808B; KM-Pn135. Curved denomination legend. A rather liberal Tsar by Russian standards, Alexander II freed the serfs and pursued other policies that would never have been considered by his father, Nicholas I. Severin states that Alexander II found the idea of his own effigy upon coins of the realm to be objectionable, hence the substitution of Alexander Is portrait (his grandfather) instead. This issue never saw production, the pattern striking is the only opportunity to add the type. A fabulous example with light tone, a super strike and even coloration without splotches or other distractions. Highly desirable as such, and a coin that should see spirited bidding. NGC MS-64.
