Russia Bronze Medal 1702 (2nd half 18th c.) - Capture of Schlüsselburg, 12 October 1702 - Peter I (1682–1725)

50.97g. 46mm. UNC/UNC. Choice mint state specimen with full, vibrant luster. 

St. Petersburg mint.

Medalier: Timofey Ivanov (T • I • on obverse truncation).

Diakov 15.13 (Ar - R1).

Obv.: Bust of Peter I right, in laurel wreath with bow; cuirass decorated with arabesques.

Inscription around:

PETRVS . ALEXII . FIL . D . G . RVSS . IMP . M . DVXMOSCOVIÆ

(Peter, son of Alexis, by the grace of God Emperor of Russia, Grand Duke of Moscow).

Rev.: Neptune reclining with a key of the fortress and a trident in his hands, observing the bombardment of the city engulfed in smoke and flames, ready to present the key to the victor.

Inscription around:

NOTTEBVRGVM NVNG SCHLVSSELBVRGVM

(Noteburg, now Schlüsselburg).

In exergue:

POST ANN . XC . AB HOSTE | RECVP . D . XII ОСТОВ SV | MDCCII

(Recovered from the enemy after 90 years. 12 October [Old Style] 1702).

The capture of Schlüsselburg (Noteburg, Oreshek) on 12 October 1702 was a key early victory of Russia over Sweden during the Great Northern War. The Swedish garrison capitulated after a determined assault, allowing Russia to secure control over the outlet of Lake Ladoga and access to the Neva River. This success significantly weakened Sweden’s position in the region and opened the way for the further advance of Russian forces toward the Baltic, culminating in the founding of St. Petersburg in 1703.