Sale: Triton IX, Lot: 1994. Estimate $2000.  Closing Date: Monday, 9 January 2006.  Sold For $2200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

RUSSIA. Alexei Mikhailovich. 1645-1676. AR Novodel Yefimok (33.09 g, 12h). 18th century restrike of 1654 original. Czar Alexei on horseback right, holding mace / Crowned double-headed eagle in dotted square surrounded by ornate garnished frame. Plain edge. Zander, Yefimoks p. 9; KM N-AA2. In NGC slab, graded AU55. ($2000)

Only about 40 original 1654 yefimiki have survived. Russia's yefimok was born of necessity, spurred by the need for reserves of cash to pay Russian soldiers fighting the Poles in the Ukraine. The Moscow mint had no experience striking large silver coins, but a crude drop-hammer press was constructed at the former English Moscovy Company headquarters. The "English Mint" proved slow and prone to breakdowns, and could not supply the necessary coinage. In 1655 it was decided to countermark German talers for use in the Ukraine. Considering the extreme rarity of the originals, the 18th century novodels have always been a popular substitute.