Russia 5 Roubles 1883 СПБ-ДС - Alexander III (1881-1894) - NGC PF 66 ULTRA CAMEO

Standard weight - 6.54g. Au 0.917. TOP POP. The highest graded in NGC census. 

A magnificent and exceedingly rare proof striking of exceptional beauty and technical mastery. Among the very few known surviving examples of Russian Imperial gold in proof, this piece stands out for its extraordinary eye appeal, superb contrast, and remarkable depth of mirrored fields. 

Mint Master - Dmitri Sabaneev. 

Friedberg 165; Uzdenikov 0283; Semenov 18-2800 (R2); Kazakov 582 (PR-R1); Bitkin 3. 

Extraordinary rare! 

The obverse depicts the Imperial double-headed eagle with the eight provincial coats of arms upon its wings; the reverse bears the denomination (5 Roubles) and the date within the circular legend “ЧИСТАГО ЗОЛОТА 1 ЗОЛОТНИКЪ 39 ДОЛЕЙ” (“Pure gold – 1 zolotnik 39 doleys”). 

The finely frosted relief and legends emerge in perfect harmony against the dark, liquid brilliance of the background, producing a visual effect of outstanding elegance and sophistication. The artistry of engraving and the precision of strike reflect the very finest standards of 19th-century Russian mint craftsmanship. 

A great rarity even at the time of issue, this coin represents the transitional period preceding the introduction of Alexander III’s portrait coinage. Beginning in 1859, a new Imperial coat of arms was adopted across all denominations and metals. Unlike the previous design, the wings of the double-headed eagle now bore eight provincial shields - those of Kazan, Poland, Chersonesus, the combined arms of Kiev-Novgorod-Vladimir, Astrakhan, Siberia, Georgia, and Finland, with the Moscow arms displayed on the eagle’s breast. This heraldic type remained in use until 1886, when the weight and fineness were revised and the reverse was replaced by the portrait of Emperor Alexander III. 

An elite numismatic rarity, combining absolute aesthetic allure with great historical importance - a masterpiece that would grace even the most distinguished cabinet of Russian and world gold coinage. 

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