Russia Bronze (Silvered) Medal 1866 – In memory of the miraculous salvation of Emperor Alexander II on 4 April 1866 – Alexander II (1855–1881)
43.15g. 43mm. AU/AU. Medalier: V. Alekseyev (initials В • А • on both sides); inscription by Makarov (СОЧ . МАКАРОВЪ). Diakov 742.1. The medal was silvered to enhance its appearance — a common historical practice intended to improve visual qualities by applying a silver or gold coating. In this case, the surface was silvered over existing nicks and scratches. It was also subtly darkened (patinated) to accentuate the finer details of the design. Obv.: Bust of Emperor Alexander II facing left. Inscription around: СЕРДЦЕ ЦАРЕВО ВЪ РȢЦѢ БОЖIЕЙ (The Tsar’s heart is in God’s hands). In the truncation: В • А • (V. Alekseyev). Below the truncation: 4 АПРѢЛЯ 1866 ГОДА (4 April 1866). Rev.: The Mandylion (the Holy Face of Jesus Christ) depicted on a cloth. In the exergue: СОЧ . МАКАРОВЪ (Designed by Makarov). This medal commemorates the failed assassination attempt on Emperor Alexander II on 4 April 1866 by Dmitry Karakozov. The image of Christ and the devotional inscription emphasize the perceived divine protection of the Tsar and the religious-patriotic sentiment of the era.