RUSSIA. 5 Rubles, 1798-CM OU. St. Petersburg Mint. Paul I. NGC AU-55. Fr-144; KM-C-104.1; Bit-1. The VERY RARE first year of issue for what would be a brief type under the short reign of Paul, this wholesome and entirely original specimen features a good deal of shimmering brilliance and very little evidence of handling. Some scattered marks and hairlines are noted, but do not at all detract, and it remains a great representative type of an incredibly difficult coin.
