RUSSIA. 5 Rubles, 1774-CNB. St. Petersburg Mint. Catherine II (the Great). NGC MS-61. Fr-130a; KM-C-78a; Bit-70. The finest certified example by either PCGS or NGC, this beautiful golden issue shines brightly. A pale golden yellow tone coats the surfaces that retain mild cartwheel effect. Some evidence of contact is present under magnification, but no major flaws. A magnificently pedigreed example, this piece has Hutten-Czapskis countermark on the obverse attesting to the provenance of his ownership. This piece was also owned by the Grand Duke Mikhailovich, giving this specimen a pedigree to two of the most desirable collections assembled. A fine example of gold from the reign of Catherine II, examples such as these do not frequent the market. Ex: Grand Duke Mikhailovich Collection.<p>Ex: Hutten-Czapski Collection.
