Lot 2637
Russia. Silver Medal, ND (c.1768). Diakov-142.2. Silver, 102.28 grams. 66 mm. By JB Gass. Catherine II (The Great), 1762-1796. Liberal Economy Society. Obverse: Crowned and mantled bust of Empress, right, signed below. Reverse: Ceres seated left beside a palm tree, a ploughman with oxen behind. Superb deep blue tone and sharp exquisite detail. Rare. NGC graded MS-62.
* This is one of the most enduring and desirable medallic portraits of one of Russia's greatest rulers. Catherine came to Russia as the bride of the heir to the throne Peter Feodorovich, and they married in 1745. Bright, industrious, highly intelligent and strong willed, she quickly mastered the Russian language and began correspondence with Voltaire. She eventually overthrew her unpopular husband and ushered in one of the most prosperous periods in Russian history. Catherine's patronage furthered the evolution of arts in Russia and she imported classical and European influences which inspired the Russian Enlightenment.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500.
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| Realized $4,370 |
