POLAND. Mint Error -- First Strike Mirror Brockage -- 20 Zlotych (3 Rubles), 1836-CNB. St. Petersburg Mint. Nicholas I. PCGS AU-53. Fr-111; KM-C-136.2; Par-1046b; Bit-1075. Mintage: 10,007. Presenting a breathtaking mint error of monumental proportions, this full reverse brockage has a crystal-clear incuse mirror impression on what would typically be the obverse side which normally features the Russian Imperial Eagle. Brockages, particularly full first strike examples appear somewhat less frequently as the value of the denomination climbs. The most common brockages appear on lower value coinage with high mintages and grow scarcer as value climbs and mintage diminishes and more care is taken in the minting process. Some issues are quite common with full brockages, particularly Chinese 10 Cash and British Indian Rupees. Brockages are almost never encountered on gold coins, making this example a tremendous <strong>RARITY </strong>as mint errors go. The already small mintage of these Polish pieces produced at the Saint Petersburg Mint makes it even more unlikely that such a piece could be produced and go unnoticed escaping from the mint. However, it appears this example did just that, with just a faint trace of circulation visible on the surfaces. Some friction is also seen, though no extensive wear is spotted, meaning this piece was likely plucked from circulation shortly after it entered it. This type is always demanded, and that demand is certain to spike given the expressive and incredible nature of the error. A piece that is without peer and should be considered a <strong>UNIQUE </strong>once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire. From the Anthony J. Taraszka Collection.
