Cataloger Chris Chatigny published an article about in interesting Russian platinum coin Thursday, May 28, 2015 on the Stack's
Bower's blog. Here's an excerpt. -Editor
Russia is the only country to strike platinum coins for circulation. The word platinum is a derivative of the Spanish platina, which
means “little silver” and at first glance the two are visually similar. This similarity would be a factor in its eventual failure as a
circulation coinage in Russia.
The discovery of platinum in the Urals of Western Siberia resulted in the production of three new Russian decimal coinage denominations.
By the imperial decree of April 24, 1828, platinum coinage was initiated for circulation; however, the initial minting was only of the 3
Ruble denomination. The decree authorizing the production of 6 and 12 Rubles came later. The planchet size for this issue was consistent in
diameter to that of the silver Poltina (1/2 Ruble). The minting of platinum coinage in 19th century Russia was very limited and for a
period of less than two decades. The new coinage denominations were not well received by the public, as they their pale white metal was
unfamiliar in circulation.
In 1845, an imperial decree ordered the minting of platinum coinage to cease. Simultaneously, the existing pieces were ordered to be
recalled within a six month period. In this way much of the original mintages were redeemed and destroyed, accounting for their rarity
today. The six-month period was too short for all the platinum issues to be redeemed and destroyed, and it is largely responsible for the
examples known today.
The obverse design for this platinum 6 Ruble features a large motif of the Imperial Coat of Arms: the Imperial double headed eagle, each
head crowned with a third crown and banner above. The left claw holds a scepter, representing monarchial power, and the globus cruciger in
the right claw demonstrates the religious authority of the emperor. The Order of Saint Andrew, the highest honorary order in Imperial
Russia, appears around the arms of Moscow showing Saint George mounted and defeating the dragon.
The central inscription states: “6 Rubles per Silver” this wording was used to link this platinum series to the familiar silver ruble.
Just below this inscription appear the overdate of 1831/0 and the St. Petersburg mintmark. This is the only example of an overdate
certified by either grading service. The bottom of the "0" is clearly evident beneath the "1", with the top of
the"1" extending well above the tops of the other digits in the date. Well struck, especially given the hardness of the metal,
the details in St. George as he slays the dragon are simply phenomenal. Prooflike fields accentuate the frosty white devices and add to the
appeal of this fabulous Russian rarity.
Look for this and other world numismatic rarities in our upcoming August ANA World’s Fair of Money Auction.
Russia's platinum coinage is an interesting and challenging collecting specialty. I wasn't aware of overdates in the series, but
varieties and errors are everywhere, awaiting discovery. Nice coin. -Editor
To read the complete article, see:
Mint State Imperial Russian Platinum 6 Ruble Overdate (www.stacksbowers.com/NewsMedia/Blogs/TabId/780/ArtMID/
2678/ArticleID/65167/Mint-State-Imperial-Russian-Platinum-6-Ruble-Overdate.aspx)
Wayne Homren, Editor
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