Very rare 10 Roubles of Alexander I, struck in 1804 at the St. Petersburg Mint, with the mintmaster’s initials ХΛ.
Gold 10 Roubles issues from the early years of Alexander I’s reign are among the particularly sought-after Russian coins of the early 19th century. The presented 1804 issue is a rare piece, classified by Bitkin as R1.
The coin represents the characteristic heraldic type introduced during the reign of Alexander I. The reverse features a composition of five coats of arms arranged in the form of a cross. In the centre is the Russian double-headed eagle, surrounded by the coats of arms of Moscow, Kazan, Siberia and Astrakhan. The entire composition is surmounted by the Imperial Crown. It is one of the most impressive heraldic compositions found on Russian gold coinage of this period.
The details are well preserved, with distinct mint luster remaining in the fields, placing this specimen among the finest preserved examples known of this type. Traces of a gold test are visible on the edge, which is reflected in NGC’s designation of “Altered Surface.” Overall, the coin is highly attractive, and given its exceptional rarity, it is an example that would be extremely difficult to replace.
A rare and sought-after type, particularly valued by collectors of Imperial Russian gold coinage.
Obverse: inscription below the crown, surrounded by a laurel and oak wreath, with the mintmaster’s initials ХΛ below:
ГОСУДАР- / СТВЕННАЯ / РОССИЙСКАЯ / МОНЕТА. / С.П.Б.
Reverse: five coats of arms arranged in the form of a cross, with the Russian double-headed eagle in the centre and the Imperial Crown above; denomination and date around:
ДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ 1804 ГОДА
Gold, diameter 27 mm, weight 12.12 g
