RUSSIA. Serebrenik, ND. Vladimir Sviatoslavich as Grand Prince of Kiev (980-1015). FINE.
Spassky-figure-32, Obv-2/Rev-4. Alternately described as the father of Rus, and the founder of Christianity in Kievan Rus, Vladimir The Great has long been a source of inspiration, and anything even remotely related to him is highly prized. The piece offered here represents a direct link to his reign, and is of great historical importance. At the time it was struck, much of Europe was finally emerging from the Dark Ages and rediscovering the importance of propaganda as a tool in managing the affairs of state. The piece offered here is no exception, with the Grand Prince depicted on the throne, and with the first appearances of the Kievan national emblem employed on the reverse. Though of somewhat crude origin, the coin is remarkably well preserved for the type, without open areas of missing metal. A few minor die cracks, and with readable epigraphic legends. The importance of this VERY RARE coin can not be overstated, it is arguably a national treasure dating back to the very origins of Russia as a political entity. FINE.
Estimate: $6500.00- $8000.00