Lot 3746

Description

Nicholas I, (1825 - 1855), 1825 dated Medal or ’One and a Half Rouble’ comprising 50 medals or pattern one and a half roubles in golden alloy, 50 medals or pattern one and a half roubles in polished pewter and 50 medals or pattern one and a half roubles in high grade copper, struck to a prooflike/proof finish in limited quantities, FDC. (150)

From a total mintage of only 750 pieces of each metal. Despotic by nature, Nicholas had little time for liberalism. He sought to partition the Ottoman Empire in Eastern Europe, in order to achieve greater Russian influence, but was surprised when Britain, France and some Italian states landed armies in the Crimea and laid siege to the fortified garrison of Sevastopol. After a year the town fell, exposing Russia’s inability to defend a major fortification on its own soil. Before this, however, Nicholas had died, pondering the hopeless situation he had created.