Russia Bronze Medal 1894 - 50 Years of Numismatic Activity of Khristian Khristianovich Gil’ - Nicholas II (1894–1917)

96.00g. 57mm. AU/AU. Minor nicks visible on both sides. 

Medalier: A. Vasyutinsky (obverse and reverse, А ВАСЮТИНСКIЙ).

Diakov 1103.1 (Ae - R1).

Obv.: Bust of Khristian Khristianovich Gil’ facing left, wearing a frock coat.

ХРИСTIАНЪ | ХРИСTIАНОВИЧЪ | ГИЛЬ .

(Khristian Khristianovich Gil’).

In the lower left field: 

А ВАСЮТИНСКIЙ

(Engraved by A. Vasyutinsky).

Rev.: In front of the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Roman goddess Juno Moneta inscribes a dedication to the numismatist on a classical column.

Inscription in center:

1869–1894

ДѢЯТЕЛЮ

ПО

РУССКОЙ

НУМИЗМА

ТИКѢ

(To the contributor to Russian numismatics, 1869–1894).

To the right below the pedestal:

А ВАСЮТИНСКIЙ

(Engraved by A. Vasyutinsky). 

Khristian Khristianovich Gil’ (1831–1894) – Russian numismatist, bibliophile, and historian of coinage. 

Khristian Khristianovich Gil’ was one of the most prominent figures in Russian numismatics of the 19th century. Of Baltic German origin, he dedicated his life to the study and classification of Russian coins and medals, contributing significantly to the foundation of numismatics as a scientific discipline in the Russian Empire. 

A graduate of the University of Dorpat, Gil’ served in the Ministry of Finance and later held a position in the St. Petersburg Mint, where he worked closely with leading scholars and collectors of his time. He was a founding member of the Russian Imperial Archaeological Society and contributed articles to its publications, advancing public access to numismatic knowledge. 

Gil’ is best known for his systematic work on cataloging Russian imperial coinage, as well as for his efforts in organizing collections and exhibitions. His contributions were recognized by peers and the Imperial court alike. The commemorative medal issued in 1894 marks 50 years of his scholarly activity and stands as a testament to his enduring legacy in Russian historical studies and numismatics.