Russia Bronze Award Medal 1849 (Novodel) - Restoration of the Kremlin Palace in Moscow - Nicholas I (1825–1855)

18.15g. 34mm. AU/AU. 

Medalier: A. Klepikov (reverse, А : КЛЕПИКОВЪ .Р: in exergue). 

Diakov 588.1 (Ar - R1). 

Very rare. 

The medal is a restrike (novodel) produced for collectors and was originally struck without a suspension loop. 

Obv.: Imperial cipher of Nicholas I, surmounted by the Imperial crown. 

БЛАГОДАРЮ . 

(With gratitude). 

Rev.: View of the restored Kremlin Palace in Moscow. Below the architectural depiction, a decorative divider line. 

Inscription in center: 

ЗАЛОЖЕНЪ 1838 • | ОСВѦЩЕНЪ 1849 • 

(Founded in 1838 – Consecrated in 1849). 

Below the exergue line: 

А : КЛЕПИКОВЪ .Р: 

(Engraved by A. Klepikov). 

This medal was established in December 1847 and awarded in 1849 to commemorate the completion and consecration of the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow — a monumental project commissioned by Emperor Nicholas I in 1838. Designed by architect Konstantin Thon in the Russian Revival style, the palace unified several historical structures within the Kremlin into a single architectural complex, reinforcing Moscow’s role as the spiritual and ceremonial heart of the Russian Empire. 

The medal was presented to architects, artists, contractors, and craftsmen involved in the construction and decoration of the palace, as well as to senior officials of the Imperial Court. Its design reflects both imperial gratitude and national pride: the obverse bears the crowned cipher of Nicholas I with the simple inscription “БЛАГОДАРЮ” ("With gratitude"), while the reverse features a finely detailed view of the completed palace — a visual testament to one of the most ambitious architectural undertakings of the reign.