Russia
Nicholas I platinum 12 Roubles 1831-CПБ AU55 NGC, St. Petersburg mint, KM-C179, Fr-158, Bit-40. From a total mintage of only 1,463 pieces struck, despite this being from the year with the highest mintage for the type. The near-mint quality of the present specimen becomes immediately evident in hand, its fields retaining shimmering brilliance and reflectivity, these contrasting against boldly impressed devices expressing a heavily frosted appearance. The juxtaposition of the two lends something remarkably similar to a cameo contrast and a remarkable in-hand perception of aesthetic quality. Meanwhile, the specific luster and comparative hardness of the platinum with which it is struck leaves little room for greater light-catching marks to serve as visual distractions, resulting in a degree of charm that in many ways feels outsized for the assigned grade.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/russia/russia-nicholas-i-platinum-12-roubles-1831-cand-1055-and-1041-au55-ngc-/a/3085-30292.s?type=CoinArchives3085
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 25000-35000 USD