Russia Bronze (Silvered) Prize Medal ND (1905-1915) - For Provincial Exhibitions of Rural Products from the Main Administration of Land Management and Agriculture - Nicholas II (1894-1917)
139.47g. 66mm. VF/XF. Medalier: unsigned. M.A. Skudnov? Diakov 1160.1. 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.: Conjoined left-facing busts of Emperors Nicholas II and Alexander III. Inscription around: ИМПЕРАТОРЪ АЛЕКСАНДРЪ III ИМПЕРАТОРЪ НИКОЛАЙ II (Emperor Alexander III, Emperor Nicholas II). Rev.: Within a wreath of fruits, grains, and oak and laurel branches tied with a ribbon, a six-line inscription: ОТЪ | ГЛАВНАГО | УПРАВЛЕНIЯ | ЗЕМЛЕУСТРОЙСТВА | И | ЗЕМЛЕДѢЛIЯ (From the Main Directorate of Land Management and Agriculture). This medal was awarded by the Imperial Russian Main Directorate of Land Management and Agriculture, an institution responsible for agrarian policy and rural reforms in the late Russian Empire. It reflects the importance placed on agriculture and land development under Nicholas II.