Watch List notes:

RUSSIA. Coronation of Paul I Gold Medal, ND (1797). St. Petersburg Mint. PCGS Genuine--Ex Jewelry, AU Details.
Dia-243.10. Weight: 19.64 gms. By C. Meisner. Peruked and uniformed bust of Paul facing right; Reverse: Broad, shaded cross in plain field. Seldom encountered in this metal, this decently preserved example exhibits a bold strike with high-relief obverse devices displaying a pale golden coloration with remaining luster in the protected areas of the legends. Close inspection reveals evidence of being removed from a bezel as well as being cleaned, now somewhat subdued and wholesome looking. Despite its shortcomings this handsome piece offers a pleasing appearance and is sure to be a welcome addition to the next collection it enters.

Paul I ascended the throne after his mother Catherine the great died from a stroke on 17 November 1796. His legitimacy as rightful heir to the throne was in question and his first act as Emperor was to locate and possibly destroy his mothers last will and testament which he feared would exclude him from succession. He was the only son of Peter III whom he resembled quite a bit and Catherine the Great, though she hinted that her lover Sergei Saltykov also of Romanov blood had fathered him. The lower classes approved of him, but he was disliked by the noble class as his policies were generally considered an annoyance which led to a conspiracy and ultimately his assassination 23 March 1801.

Estimate: $10000 - $20000