Nicholas I platinum 12 Roubles 1831-CПБ AU55 NGC, St. Petersburg mint, KM-C179, Fr-158, Bit-40. From a total mintage of only 1,463 pieces struck, despite this being from the year with the highest mintage for the type. The near-mint quality of the present specimen becomes immediately evident in hand, its fields retaining shimmering brilliance and reflectivity, these contrasting against boldly impressed devices expressing a heavily frosted appearance. The juxtaposition of the two lends something remarkably similar to a cameo contrast and a remarkable in-hand perception of aesthetic quality. Meanwhile, the specific luster and comparative hardness of the platinum with which it is struck leaves little room for greater light-catching marks to serve as visual distractions, resulting in a degree of charm that in many ways feels outsized for the assigned grade.

HID09801242017

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