RUSSIAN COINS AND HISTORICAL MEDALS, GEORGIA, Anonymous issue, struck during the reign of Giorgi XII (1798-1800). . Abazi (Shahi), Tiflis AH 1213. 0.73 gm. A-2977 (RR), Bennett 1067 (RR). Very rare. Attractive old toning. Choice extremely fine
Already in ill health when he ascended the throne, Giorgi XII would prove to be the last Bagratid ruler of Kartli and Kakheti. He found his capital, Tbilisi largely in ruins and his kingdom still suffering from the ravishment of the 1795 Persian invasion. Unable to curtail the disorder, dynastic intrigue, and the threat of a new Persian invasion plaguing his short reign, Giorgi would place his Georgian kingdom under direct Russian rule with the proviso that the Bagratids would remain as hereditary viceroys.
Estimate: $ 500