RUSSIA. Gold 2 Rubles Novodel (Pattern), 1727. Peter II. NGC MS-62.Fr-104, Bit-H13, Sev-113, Uzd-42, KM-N-K10. A strongRARE/strong early die state example of this Novodel, the reverse showing only a slight sinking in the die in the upper right quadrant but lacking the more advanced die failure, including the enormous crescent shaped die break that connects St. Andrews halo with the lettering, seen on other examples struck from the much later state of the reverse die. Bright yellow gold and lightly prooflike on both sides, the flan is not large enough to accommodate the entirety of the legends, with the tops of many letters off the flan. While the original strikes of Peter II 2 Rubles dated 1727-28 are very rare, but examples of the Novodel appear to be rarer, based upon an overview of auction records of the last 2 decades. There are none of this issue listed in the PCGS Population Report, while the NGC Census includes 1 graded MS61 and 2 at the MS62 level, making this tied for the finest graded example of the issue. Here is a coin that combines both rarity and high quality.
