RUSSIA. Copper 3 Kopek Pattern, 1840. St. Petersburg Mint (without mint mark). Nicholas I. PCGS SP-63 BN Gold Shield.
Bit-H937; KM-Pn106. Novodel issue, EXTREMELY RARE variety without CNB mintmark below date. Sharply struck, displaying intricate detail in the central designs and full beading around the outer borders. Semi-reflective in the fields, the surfaces have taken on attractive color as well, with pale purple and reddish hue in the open fields and bright mint coloration outlining the raised designs. Far nicer than the only other example we've seen (Sincona, 10/2015, lot 650 @ 46,000 CHF), that piece displaying slightly uneven patina and some weakness in the peripheral beads that can be attributed to a slightly off center strike. An important offering for the collector of Russian novodels.
Estimate: $10000.00- $15000.00