Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 498 18 Aug 2021
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RUSSIA, Empire. Aleksandr III Aleksandrovich. 1881-1894. Æ Medal (77mm, 187.2 g, 12h). Consecration of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. By V. Alexeev. Dated 1812, 1839, 1881, and 1883. Four medallions depicting Tsars Aleksandr I, Nikolai I, Aleksandr II, and Aleksandr III in angles of cross with radiant Eye of Providence at center / Façade of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Brown surfaces, faint hairlines. EF.
Planning for the construction of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was begun in December 1812, when Aleksandr I pledged to build a cathedral to celebrate the retreat of Napoléon. Construction would not be begin for over two and a half decades, commencing in 1839 ultimately being completed and dedicated in 1883. In 1931, the Soviet government began the demolition of the building, with the gold from the cathedral's domes going into the treasury. Stalin intended for the Palace of the Soviets to be constructed on the site, but only the foundation was dug before the project was abandoned, with the empty put being converted into a massive swimming pool. The cathedral was rebuilt in the late 1990s.
Planning for the construction of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was begun in December 1812, when Aleksandr I pledged to build a cathedral to celebrate the retreat of Napoléon. Construction would not be begin for over two and a half decades, commencing in 1839 ultimately being completed and dedicated in 1883. In 1931, the Soviet government began the demolition of the building, with the gold from the cathedral's domes going into the treasury. Stalin intended for the Palace of the Soviets to be constructed on the site, but only the foundation was dug before the project was abandoned, with the empty put being converted into a massive swimming pool. The cathedral was rebuilt in the late 1990s.