Russia Tin-Alloy Medal 1714 (1720s) - Capture of Nyslott - Peter I (1682–1725) - PCGS Genuine AU Detail

Slight traces of oxidation, otherwise sharply struck and well-preserved. 

Medalier: Philipp Heinrich Müller for obverse and reverse (initial M in the truncation of the sleeve on obverse). 

Diakov 48.1 Ar (R3). 

Original medals from the era of Peter the Great, particularly those by Philipp Heinrich Müller, are exceedingly rare and possess significant historical and numismatic value. 

Obv.: Right-facing bust of Peter I wearing a laurel wreath, armor, and a fur-trimmed mantle on the chest. 

Inscription around: 

PETRVS ALEXII FIL • D . G • RVSS • IMP • M • DVX MOSCOVIÆ • 

(Peter, son of Alexis, by the Grace of God Russian Emperor, Grand Duke of Moscow). 

Rev.: Allegorical figure reclining on the right in the foreground, holding a shield with the Russian coat of arms and leaning on an urn pouring water—symbolizing Lake Saimaa. In the background, schematic view of the fortress under artillery bombardment. 

Inscription above: 

CASTRVM NOVVM CAPTVM 

(The new fortress was captured). 

Inscription above the fortress: 

NEVSCHLOS ЕТ • SAVOLAV 

(Nyslott and Savolax). 

In exergue: 

MDCCXIV • | DIE 29 IVLI • S • V • 

(1714. On the 29th of July, Old Style). 

The medal commemorates the Russian capture of the Swedish fortress of Nyslott (present-day Savonlinna, Finland) on July 20 (Old Style: July 29), 1714, during the Great Northern War. Situated on Lake Saimaa, Nyslott was a key defensive position in Eastern Finland. Its fall signaled a major strategic success for Russia in consolidating control over the Finnish territories. The presence of the reclining figure with flowing water symbolizes the significance of Lake Saimaa in the campaign. The victory at Nyslott contributed to Peter the Great's broader efforts to secure access to the Baltic and exert dominance over the weakening Swedish Empire.