Russia | Iran - Copper Iranian urban coin Fals with double headed eagle countermark. ND (1727).

18.14g. 22mm. VF/VF. Charming specimen with elegant old brown colour toning. 

Obv: Double headed eagle countermark (13.8mm). / Rev: Second countermark "RAIDJ" (10.7mm). 

We are delighted to present this charming specimen of an exceptionally rare coin issue. Due to the absence of any record of this specific counterstamp type in the auction archives, this coin stands out as a rare and remarkable find, difficult to acquire and possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase.

In 2007, a document was discovered in the Russian State Archive of Ancient Acts, shedding light on the overstriking of Persian coins. Compiled by Senator V.Ya. Levashov in 1734, the list provides detailed information on the overstriking process, including the use of 120 stamps to overstrike 6 million Persian copper coins with a Russian double-headed eagle stamp in Resht in 1727. The countermarking was done to stop the import of Persian copper coins and the export of Russian silver coins. Levashov got information about a caravan carrying many bundles of copper "kazbiks" near the border of the Gilan province. Measures taken were banning the import/export of coins, countermarking the kazbiks, and equating countermarked coin to half a kopeck. Citizens of Resht were required to bring coins for countermarking, and they paid for the process. Full-weight coins were preferred for countermarking when possible. These coins were later withdrawn from circulation and used as copper, making them extremely rare. Only a small portion continued to circulate with the new stamp.

Levashov, a prominent military figure, served as the ruler of Persian provinces ceded to Russia in 1723 and played a significant role in various campaigns and battles alongside Peter the Great, including the Battles of Narva, Schlüsselburg, Riga, Pomerania, and the shores of Sweden. He eventually became the Moscow Governor-General from 1744 to 1751.

Bitkin 17 R3. Extremely rare!