RUSSIA. Silver 1-1/2 Rubles ("Family Ruble") - 10 Zlotych Pattern, 1835. St. Petersburg Mint. Nicholas I. NGC MS-63. Bit-885 (R3); Julian-1247 (RRRR); Uzd-4204. Mintage: 36. Obverse: Bare head of Nicholas I 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. Impressive almost beyond measure, this Family Ruble displays a tremendous appeal to the eyes and spirit with its condition and <strong>RARITY</strong>.
The Family Ruble design is one of the most famous in Russian numismatics, however almost all extant examples are dated 1836. Approximately 50 of these Rubles were produced bearing the date of 1836 and given to senior military figures and members of the Romanov dynasty, with some Novodels of the same date being later produced. The 1835 dated examples, as this one is, are considerably <strong>RARER </strong>and likely constitute a pattern issue. This issue is also differentiated by a full signature on both obverse and reverse. We have only been able to trace a vanishingly small number of this type and date that have traded, with this type surpassing the $1,000,000 mark in a 2015 Sincona auction.
Nicely struck and bearing a slate gray to cobalt blue tone, the flan demonstrates a special care in the production quality that is evident with the as made die lines that can still be seen. Very limitedly marked, and bearing essentially no evidence of friction, this tremendous treasure radiates intense appeal and charm. A piece that comes to market but once in a generation, and therefore, we expect intense competition for this Family Ruble. A deservedly exultant Family Ruble, one that stands above all others of this famous type.
From the Sigma Collection.
Ex: Sothebys (4/1993) Lot # 476.
