RUSSIA. 100th Anniversary of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences Silver Medal, 1826. PCGS SPECIMEN-61 Gold Shield. Dia-447.1. By F. Tolstoy. Obverse: Bare head of Nicholas I right; Reverse: Athena/Minerva seated facing on throne, cradling spear and crowning plinth with janiform heads of Peter I (the Great) and Alexander I; shield and owl to right. This imposing medal--quite difficult in a problem-free, elevated state of preservation such as this</em>--presents a deep cabinet tone as well as incredible detail. The decorative figures on the top of the throne and the expressive natures of the janiform head all display the high degree of skill by which this magnificent medal was rendered.