Russia (Siberia, Suzun mint) 10 Kopecks 1775 KM - Catherine II the Great (1762-1796)

56.79g. UNC/UNC. A truly fantastic example, distinguished by magnificent dry cabinet patina of deep brown tone and shimmering glossy mint luster, enlivened by vivid flashes of original red that are exceptionally rarely encountered on this type. Despite the abundance on the market of dark, hoard-recovered specimens of this issue, the present piece shows none of the lifeless appearance associated with prolonged exposure to an aggressive environment. Instead, it survives with remarkably fresh and natural surfaces of outstanding character and eye appeal. 

Bitkin 1033. 

A genuinely remarkable specimen of one of the largest copper circulation coins ever struck, worthy of the finest collections of Russian coinage and world coins alike.  

The Siberian coinage was a special copper issue of the Russian Empire, struck exclusively for circulation in Siberia under Catherine II. Although authorized in 1763, it was actually produced from 1766 to 1781 at the Suzun mint from Kolyvan copper, in denominations from polushka to 10 kopecks, and did not circulate in European Russia. 

Its design differed markedly from the standard imperial copper coinage of the period. The obverse bears the crowned cipher of Catherine II within a laurel wreath, while the reverse shows the denomination and date in a cartouche supported by two sables, a characteristic symbol of Siberia, with the legend МОНЕТА СИБИРСКАЯ (Siberian coin) above. Owing to this heraldic and strongly regional design, Siberian coinage remains one of the most distinctive and recognizable issues of the age of Catherine II.