RUSSIA. Ruble, 1782-CNB N3. St. Petersburg Mint. Catherine II (the Great). NGC MS-63. Dav-1685; KM-C-67b; Bit-233; cf. Dia-437. Possibly the last digit of the date is a 2 over 1. Diakov lists only one die pairing for this year, but states that this portrait type was used from 1777-82. The reverse die of the present example more closely resembles that of the 1781 listed rather than that of 1782. Well struck and lustrous, with lovely satiny surfaces that are virtually free of tone. An interesting example deserving of further comparison and research.
