RUSSIA. 1-1/2 Rubles ("Family Ruble") - 10 Zlotych, 1836-NY. St. Petersburg Mint. Nicholas I. NGC MS-63. Dav-286; KM-C-A172; Bit-888; Julian-1249. Obverse: Bare head of Nicholas (Nikolai) right; Reverse: Busts of Crown Prince Aleksandr Nikolaevich, Grand Duchesses Maria Nikolaevna, Olga Nikolaevna, Alexandra Nikolaevna, and Grand Dukes Konstantin Nikolaevich, Nikolai Nikolaevich, and Mikhail Nikolaevich around central medallion of Alexandra Feodorovna right, wearing stephane.
One of the most desirable crowns of the 19th century, and the pinnacle of Russian issues, this piece endears with subtle blue and violet tone on the specially struck surfaces. Clearly carefully kept for ages, only minor instances of handling appear over the surfaces, yet all occurrences are inconsequential and do little to distract from the overall beauty.
There is no evidence of the edge cud on the reverse that is seen on the Novodels, marking this piece as an original issue rather that a later restrike. Rare in any striking, it is believed that less than 50 examples exist between Novodels and originals. It is likely that these pieces were donative in nature, and given to members of the royal family and senior military officers. Tied for the second finest in NGC encapsulation, this example is sure to draw fierce bidding when it reaches the auction platform in New York.
