RUSSIA. For Usefulness Silver Medal, ND (1802). By C. Leberecht. Alexander I. PCGS AU-58 Gold Shield.65 mm. Diakov-273.1 (R3). Obverse: Bare head right; Reverse: Beehive surrounded by bees in flight; all within wreath. Deeply toned with some lightly scattered marks and cabinet friction, and no real signs of actual wear. Rather RARE, with no other examples able to be located. The holder erroneously lists this piece as Diakov-273.4.The usefulness series of award medals was instituted in March 1802 to be given to merchants and peasants for their service to the Russian government. This particular design employed the motif of the bees and a beehive, meant to convey the industriousness of those honored by the presentation of the award.
