Nicholas I "Imperial Family" 1-1/2 Roubles-10 Zlotych 1836 MS63 NGC, KM-C172.1, Dav-286, Bit-888 (R2). Engravers initials on obverse, no engravers marks on reverse, no circles around Royal children's busts variety. Certainly one of most popular 19th century Crown types and a key to the entire Russian series, one we have not had the pleasure of witnessing since 2007. This "Imperial Family" type celebrates all seven progeny of Nicholas Romanov and Alexandra Feodorovna (b. Charlotte of Prussia), whose portraits encircle Alexandra on the reverse, a subject and treatment at least suggesting commemoration if not some donative function. Though the exact mintage between original and Novodel strikes remains unconfirmed, the scarcity and clout attached to this emission is uncontested, especially so for original strikes, which lack an incriminating edge cud visible on Restrikes. Our original Specimen is simply fantastic in hand, the devices admitting very little rub to the highpoints so that even the small filial portraits come across with contour to the naked eye. An opalescent patina radiates in the fields, throwing sparks of peacock, caramel, and mauve during in-hand inspection. Tied at the third-highest grade available at NGC, this piece holds immense eye and condition appeal, a perfect item for those wishing to fill this hole in their elite Russian cabinet. HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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