445, Lot: 619. Estimate $1000. Sold for $1800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

RUSSIA, Tsardom of Rus. Ivan V & Pyotr I, with Sophia Alekseyevna as Regent. 1682-1696. AV Chervonetz – 3/4 Ducat (19mm, 2.77 g, 1h). Novodel issue. 18th century restrike. Crowned facing busts of Ivan and Pyotr; above, double-headed eagle with wings spread, holding scepter and globus cruciger / Crowned bust of Sophia facing slightly right, head left, holding scepter. Diakov N4; Kaim 1858 (2/3 Chervotez); KM –; Friedberg 59. VF.

Ex Richard L. Lissner Collection (Triton VIII, 10 January 2005), lot 1723.

Kaim lists two varieties of 2/3 chervonetz pieces, which Friedberg splits into 3/4 and 2/3 denominations. Sophia was regent for her younger half-brothers Pyotr and the disabled Ivan until a palace revolution replaced her with the 17 year old Pyotr. During the regency Pyotr’s formal education was neglected, allowing him to follow his own course, exploring, sailing and shipbuilding, military training, and a practicing of western ways (not to mention carousing). All this contributed to the great revolutions of Pyotr’s reign.