Russia (St. Petersburg mint) 10 Roubles 1776/5 СПБ-TI - Catherine II the Great (1762-1796)

13.06g. Gold 0.917. VF/XF-. A pleasing example with only minor traces of wear and bright residual mint luster glowing in the protected areas around the relief. An important issue in Russian numismatics, it is made especially interesting by the overdate from 1775. This piece should appeal strongly to collectors of both Russian and European gold coinage. 

Friedberg 129a; Bitkin 32 R; 22 roubles according to Petrov; 20 roubles according to Ilyin. 

Rare. 

The reverse of the coin features a central double-headed eagle, crowned with three imperial crowns, symbolizing the unity and authority of the Russian Empire. In its right claw, the eagle holds a scepter, while in its left, it grasps an orb, representing the sovereignty of the state. Surrounding the eagle are four ornate shields, arranged in the form of a cross, each bearing the coat of arms of the principal territories of the Russian Empire. The top shield features the emblem of Moscow, with Saint George slaying the dragon. The bottom shield represents the Tsardom of Siberia, depicted by two sables supporting a crown. The right shield carries the emblem of the Tsardom of Kazan, with its crowned dragon. The left shield displays the arms of the Tsardom of Astrakhan, featuring a crown above a saber. Four roses are elegantly placed around the eagle, and the date "1776" is inscribed in the fields between the shields.