Chaponnière & Firmenich SA
Auction 13 16 May 2021
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RUSSIA. Nicholas I, 1825-1855. Gold medal 1841 by H. Gube. 36 mm. Prince Alexander wedding. Obv. В К АΛЕКСАНДРЪ НИКОΛАЕВИЧЬ В К МАРИЯ АΛЕКСАНДРОВНА. Conjoined heads left. Rev. 16 АПРѢΛЯ / 1841 Г. A and M monogram within a crowned shield on which are resting Cupid and Psyche. Bitkin M902. AU. 250 ex. RRR PCGS SP 60
Ex. The New York Sale XLIV, 11 January 2018, lot 2181.
In 1838, while travelling through Europe, the Grand Duc Alexander Nikolaevich (Future Alexander II) fell in love with the 14-year-old Maria of Hesse-Darmstadt, daughter of Ludwig II of Hessen.
Upon his return to Russia, Alexander decided to marry her, threating his mother Empress Alexandra Fedorovna, that he would forfeit his right to the throne if she were to refuse to give her blessing for the wedding.
Although not immediately, the Empress was finally convinced by Alexander and Nicholas I, and went to Darmstadt herself to meet her future daughter in law – something that had never happened during the entire Romanov dynasty.
In September 1840, the young Princess arrived in Russia, and on the 5th of December the same year she was baptized Orthodox and became Maria Alexandrovna. On the 16th of April 1841, the wedding finally took place.
For this exceptional occasion, the mint was ordered to strike 250 medals in gold and 950 in silver to be gifted to guests and dignitaries, and an additional 100 pieces of the weight and purity of 1 rouble to be sold to the public. The dies for this issue were engraved by Heinrich Gube.
Certification number: 35157518
Ex. The New York Sale XLIV, 11 January 2018, lot 2181.
In 1838, while travelling through Europe, the Grand Duc Alexander Nikolaevich (Future Alexander II) fell in love with the 14-year-old Maria of Hesse-Darmstadt, daughter of Ludwig II of Hessen.
Upon his return to Russia, Alexander decided to marry her, threating his mother Empress Alexandra Fedorovna, that he would forfeit his right to the throne if she were to refuse to give her blessing for the wedding.
Although not immediately, the Empress was finally convinced by Alexander and Nicholas I, and went to Darmstadt herself to meet her future daughter in law – something that had never happened during the entire Romanov dynasty.
In September 1840, the young Princess arrived in Russia, and on the 5th of December the same year she was baptized Orthodox and became Maria Alexandrovna. On the 16th of April 1841, the wedding finally took place.
For this exceptional occasion, the mint was ordered to strike 250 medals in gold and 950 in silver to be gifted to guests and dignitaries, and an additional 100 pieces of the weight and purity of 1 rouble to be sold to the public. The dies for this issue were engraved by Heinrich Gube.
Certification number: 35157518