RUSSIA. Marriage of Alexander Nikolaevich and Maria Alexandrovna Gold

RUSSIA. Marriage of Alexander Nikolaevich and Maria Alexandrovna Gold Medallic Ruble, 1841-CNB HT. St. Petersburg Mint. PCGS SPECIMEN-58.
cf. Bit-902 (silver); Dia-563.3 (R5). By H. Gube. Plain edge. Diameter: 36mm. Obverse: Conjoined busts of Alexander and Maria left; Reverse: Crowned and garnished shield, with Cupid and Psyche as supporters. This alluring medallic issue--sometimes referred to as a "ruble"--is quite RARE and sought after, especially in gold as is the case here. It commemorates the royal wedding between the Grand Duke (and future Emperor, Alexander II) and Princess Maria. A few varieties of the type exist, with the present specimen featuring the artist's initials in the Latin alphabet on the obverse (H. GUBE FECIT below the truncations of the necks of the couple) and the mint (С.П.Б.) in Cyrillic on the reverse. Interestingly, the reverse also seems to display Gube's initials in Cyrillic to the left and right of the base of the shield (Н.Г.), though this would appear to be conflating the Latin character of his first name with the incorrect (though similar appearing) letter in Cyrillic.

Estimate: $40000 - $60000