Lot 809
Russia. Ruble, 1763-SPB NK. Bitkin-175; Sev-1914; Dav-1683. Catherine II, the Great, 1762-1796. Crowned and draped bust right. Reverse: Crowned double-headed eagle, with scepter and orb. Minor flan flaw in face, otherwise superb and fully lustrous. Exceptionally full and crisp strike, with virtually complete details to the regalia on the eagle's breast. Lightly toned, the fields extraordinarily clean. NGC graded MS-64.
Catherine, although originally just a minor German princess, married Peter of Holstein-Gottorp, who would become Tsar Peter III of Russia. Her original name was Sophie, and she was a Lutheran by birth. When she married Peter in 1745, she changed her name to Ekaterina, and her religion to Russian Orthodoxy. Peter became Tsar in 1762. He was so obviously pro-German in his philosopy and behavior that he became totally repugnant in the eyes of the Russian military. A coup was arranged, and Catherine relaced Peter as head of Russia. Peter appeared almost relieved to rid himself of the burden of rule, and Catherine would reign as Catherine the Great until 1796.
Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000.
Ex Dr. Robert D. Hesselgesser Collection (5/30 - 6/1/05), lot 1865; ex Goodman Coll., Feb. 1991, Lot 442.
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| Realized $13,225 |
