There's one of these on eBay right now with just under 9 hours to go. So I thought I'd get mine out here. Just any and all vital statistics on the coin, that's all. St. Petersburg Mint? 86%? Edge lettering (I think I remember a website on that, but I lost it when my hard drive crashed). Reign? Book value (or aren't there any such "books")? You know the routine. I know it's been cleaned. Thanks. And GX...if you're looking in...I still visit your Russians...in fact, I was at the site last night. I've got an 1855 rouble that's a little beat up (looks maybe even like it had a "hinge" removed)...if you'd like to see it, maybe even opine on it, please PM me. Thanks.
I saw a gold Russian in an ICG holder tonight on the bay. I have to study some more before I pay dbl melt. Our rule ( wife and I ) is within 3% of melt
eddiespin, the 1878 ruble is struck in St. Petersburg. All silver, gold and platinum coins struck after 1798 were struck only in St. Petersburg. (unless I forgot something) The edge inscription should say: Sil(ver) of 83 1/3 standard 4 zol (oltniks), 82 14/25 parts. Mass of a silver coin from that era would be 20.73g. This would make it 86% silver fineness as it uses an old Russian system for weighting. Probably slightly over half an ounce of silver in it. In reality, I have NEVER seen any Russian coins, in particular rubles priced close to bullions. If there are any, I am more than happy to hoard them - they are almost impossible these days. The last time I got one close to bullion price was a 1913 Romanov ruble with a ding and rim damage at less than 5 dollars. This was one that paid around 10ish (damaged though) when silver was at a miserable 5usd/oz. 1877 and 1878 dated years are actually one of the most affordable rubles of Alexander II. Other years are just impossibly priced if you want them in decent condition. Do post the 1855 ruble that you have - might not know if there is any special variety you got there Russian gold coins as well as absurdly priced... never seen any crazy market for this long other than the Korean market.
GX, thanks very much! That 1878 I referenced on eBay, BTW, closed last night at a cool $250. But then, to his credit, this seller had it pitched as "SCARCE!!!" Six bidders, and 100% positive feedback on this seller. What a game... My camera has been on the blink, but when I get the time to get that 1855 out, I'll post a scan, at least. Remember, now, it's pretty darn worn. Hopefully, though, the scan can show sufficient detail. BTW...I keep this 1878 right next to my 1878-CC Morgan...as sort of a snapshot of that time, a half-world apart.
He doesn't designate it, and I don't know how to grade these. The link is http://cgi.ebay.com/RUSSIA-1878--OR...106758QQcmdZViewItem?IMSfp=TL0807081566r24754, take a look. But this is what got me to post mine. When it got up to $190, I couldn't stand it any longer!
