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The January 2013 Collector’s Series Sale
Very Rare Marriage Ruble In Gold
1027 RUSSIA, Nicholas I (1825-1855), Marriage Ruble in Gold 1841, St. Petersburg, By H. Gube, On
the Wedding of Grand Duke Alexander Nikolaevich (the future Tsar Alexander II) and Princess
Maria Alexandrovna of Hesse-Darmstadt. 32.69 grams. Reeded edge. Their conjoined busts l.,
Maria of Hesse wearing a laurel wreath, PѢЗAΛЪ ΓYБE below heads (Cut by Gube). Rev. Crowned
shield emblazoned with the ciphers of Alexander and Maria, supported by Cupid holding a bow at
right and Psyche holding a stalk of lilies at left, St. Petersburg mintmark: C.П.Б. left edge, H.-Γ.
below shield (Bitkin 899). PCGS Genuine Tooled - UNC Details. Friction hairlines, small scratch
upper reverse, tooling lower heads. Good lustre.
1027
On a state visit to England in 1838, Grand Duke Alexander Nikolaevich was unsuccessful in his
marital advances on the young Queen. But while touring Europe in the same year, he had fallen in
love with Princess Maximiliane Wilhelmine Auguste Sophie Marie of Hesse-Darmstadt, then but a
tender 14. In 1840, he decided to marry her and the princess arrived in September. Immediately popular
with the people, Princess Marie was duly renamed Maria Alexandrovna.
Mint-produced commemorative coin issues in Russia only began in 1834 with the Alexandrine Column
Ruble. And with the marriage of his heir looming, Tsar Nicholas I decided to use this new innovation
to honor and commemorate the event, ordering the State Mint to prepare designs for a
medallic coinage. Heinrich Gube’s designs were chosen.
Alexander Nikolaevich and Maria Alexandrovna were wed April 16, 1841 in an elaborate ceremony.
And the numismatic outpouring from the event was equally elaborate, a Medallic Ruble and Medals,
in three metals were produced. (photo) Est. 35,000-45,000
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