2016-07-08 Fri

ANA World’s Fair of Money Auction is scheduled in August and is going to offer a rare Russian coin that was minted during the reign of Empress Catherine II.

Catherine II was not a Russian by birth, but was chosen as the empress after her husband Emperor Peter III was killed at the end of the Seven Years’ War. Russia became powerful under her regime with her vision and strategies for revitalization and expansion. By maintaining diplomatic relations and with the help of military conquests, she aimed at modernizing Russia into a more Western European society.

The coin features the crowned arms of Moldavia and Wallachia inside a garland of roses with the year 1773 inscribed just below.

The reverse depicts Para and Kopeks, the dual denomination used in those days. As per experts only 3 examples of the coin exists. The coin is well preserved, clearly struck using fresh dies and bears unique colours like blues, lilac, aquamarine and rose patina.