Collection of Silver Medals "Grand Princes, Tsars, and Emperors of Russia" (67 pieces). St. Petersburg Mint of Goznak – Portrait Series Medals Minted Using Historical Dies.

Collection of Silver Medals "Grand Princes, Tsars, and Emperors of Russia" The "Portrait, Historical Collection" features medals depicting Grand Princes, Tsars, Tsarinas, and Emperors of Russia from 862 to 1894. This was one of the most significant ideological projects in medal art initiated by Empress Catherine II. The creation of the portrait medal series was directly linked with the Empress's interest in Russian history and the art of medal making. Between 1768–1774, a series of fifty-nine round medals with portraits of Russian princes and tsars (according to V.P. Smirnov’s catalogue – 58 items, with two medals under number 12) were produced, from Rurik to Peter III. The foundation for its creation was M.V. Lomonosov’s "Brief Russian Chronicle" and a series of portraits of Russian princes and tsars carved by I. Dorsch on green jasper. On the obverse of each medal is a bust portrait of the prince or tsar with a circular inscription stating their name and title. The reverse bears an inscription from Lomonosov's Chronicle indicating how the sovereign inherited the throne, and lists key events and achievements of their reign. As a whole, the portrait medal series served as an educational tool and demonstrated Lomonosov’s main idea about the advantages of autocratic rule for Russia, which he considered to be the guarantee of the nation’s "happiness" and "prosperity." In the 19th century, six more medals were added to the series, featuring reigning monarchs from Catherine II to Alexander III. In 2007–2008, the St. Petersburg Mint of Goznak resumed minting the portrait medal series, using surviving historical dies. The collection was supplemented with medals featuring Ivan VI and Nicholas II, absent in the original historic series, bringing the total number of medals to 67. Metal: Silver Fineness: 999 Weight per medal: 31.1 g Diameter: 39 mm Finish quality: Oxidation with artistic refinishing. Edition size: limited, 100 collections. The collection is the result of meticulous craftsmanship based on centuries-old master techniques and careful attention to detail—a product that will provide aesthetic pleasure to its owners for generations to come. https://silver-art.ru St. Petersburg Mint. Silver. Diameter: 39 mm. Weight: 29.99-36.25g. Rare. #1 Grand Prince Rurik. Medallist: V. Baranov. Shoulder inscription: "K.V.BAR." Smirnov No. 1. Diakov No. 1604-R1. #2 Grand Prince Oleg. Medallist: F. Lyalin. Shoulder: "F.L." Smirnov No. 2. Diakov No. 1605-R1. ... [Further detailed list can be provided upon request.]