RUSSIA. Birth of Grand Duke Alexander Pavlovich Medal Struck in Gold by J.B. Gass/J.C.G. Jaeger, 1777. Catherine II (the Great) (1762-96). PCGS Genuine--Edge Repaired, Unc Details.Approximately 65 mm. cf.Dia-176.1(unlisted in gold). Crowned and laureate bust right, legend around; Reverse: Crowned robbed female with arm extending towards beams of light facing left holding infant, alter and shield with the arms of Russia to left, legend to left, four line inscription in exergue. Alexander I, born Alexander Pavlovich was the first child of Grand Duke Pavel Petrovich (Paul I) and Grand Duchess Maris Fyodorvna.
He was raised by his grandmother Empress Catherine II (the Great) who had disinherited her own son (Paul I) due to his instability. He received a fine education from Frederic-Cesar La Harpe who was an excellent teacher and helped to shape his open mind. When he reached adolescences he was allowed to visit his father at Gatchina on the outskirts of St. Petersburg where he received his military training from Aleksey Andreyevich who had become quite attached and whom Alexander loved throughout his life. When Catherine II died Paul I ascended the throne and plunged Russia into a dark period with his tyrannical and bizarre behavior. After a long five year reign Paul I was assassinated during the night of March 23 (March 11, Old style) and Alexander became tsar the following day. The new Emperor was seen as a radiant dawn after the darkness of his father and had given his subjects new hope. He was very well liked by his subjects and made vast improvements to his country correcting many of the injustices of his father.
One of his principal achievements was the reform of public education and founded three new universities. At one point out of his sincere desire for innovation he had considered a constitution that would limit the autocracy, but feared the backlash of the nobility. When his estranged wife fell ill he decided to take her to Taganrog on the Azov Sea where they enjoyed a calm happiness. While in Taganrog he decided to tour the Crimea for inspection and contracted either pneumonia or malaria and died on his return to Taganrog. Though stated as "Edge Repaired" on the insert there does seem to be some minor smoothing of the edge which is negligible and hardly distracting. Excellent strike with well defined features of the expressive bust of Empress Catherine II and the design aspects of the reverse so much so that one can make out the minute details of the robbed female holding the infant. Light wispy hairlines in the open fields from long ago now somewhat subdued with lovely honey-gold tone. EXTREMELY RARE, very interesting and sure to excite even the most advanced collector of Russian numismatics.Ex: Stacks Auction February 2-4, 1983, Lot #404.
