Sale: Triton IX, Lot: 2178. Estimate $4000.  Closing Date: Monday, 9 January 2006.  Sold For $4000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

RUSSIA. Alexander II. 1855-1881. AR Pattern Ruble. St. Petersburg mint; A. Lialin and B. Alexiev, sculptors. Dated 1859. Dedication of the statue of Nicholas I. Bare head of Nicholas I left / Equestrian statue of Nicholas I atop grand plinth decorated with scenes of his life; BA on base. Bitkin 566; cf. Uzdenikov 4194; Severin 3682 (?); KM -. AU, dark toning, a few bag marks. Rare. ($4000)

The obverse die is slightly different from the regular production die, and is similar to the gold, silver and bronze medals struck for the occasion of the dedication of the memorial statue. See Bitkin 569-571 and Uzidenikov p. 654. The portrait of Nicholas is rendered in slightly higher relief, and the fields are slightly convex.