RUSSIA. Baptismal Gold Medal of 3 Ducats Weight, ND (ca. late 19th

RUSSIA. Baptismal Gold Medal of 3 Ducats Weight, ND (ca. late 19th Century). PCGS MS-62.
cf. GPH-1064 (1-1/2 Ducats weight, no legend). Weight: 10.51 gms. Obverse: Nativity through a triptych of scenes: Jesus in manger, surrounded by shepherd, Joseph, an angel, Mary, and an ox and donkey; above to left, the three magi riding on camels; above to right, two shepherds advancing left; radiant Star of Bethlehem between; maker's mark at bottom; Reverse: КРЕЩСНIС (slight corruption of крещеніе [baptism]) BAΠTICIS (heavy corruption of the Greek βαπτικης [baptismal]), Baptism of Christ: Christ standing slightly left in the River Jordan, being baptized by St. John to left; two angels to right; radiant dove (Holy Spirit) flying downward. One of the finest of the type that this cataloger could locate, the present specimen offers great artistry and preservation, along with overall quality of strike.This obverse and reverse are sometimes encountered paired with a third design featuring prominently upon Christ, with sizes ranging in various degrees of Ducat weight. The pre-revolution Russian legend of крещеніе confirms the origin of these types, with the remaining legends, as is the case here, seemingly being plays on Greek. However, given the immensely corrupted nature of the non-Russian attempts, it is clear that they were done by goldsmiths with no knowledge of the languages outside of their native tongue, or at least those with limited letter forms preventing clearer orthography.

From the Augustana Collection.

Estimate: $800 - $1200