Lot 3734

Description

Alexander I, (1801 - 1825), 1801 dated Medal or ’Accession Rouble’ comprising 50 medals or pattern roubles in golden alloy, 50 medals or pattern roubles in polished pewter and 50 medals or pattern roubles in high grade copper, struck to a prooflike/proof finish in limited quantities, FDC. (150)

From a total mintage of only 875 pieces of each metal. The son of Paul I, Alexander was young, energetic and popular, and the first half of his reign was marked by liberal internal policies. Youthful idealism was the order of the day, and the reformer Michael Speransky became a close adviser to the new Czar. By 1812, however, grave problems in Europe began to weigh, and Speransky was ousted by his rivals who saw his reforms as too ambitious for a conservative nation.