Russia Tin-alloy Medal 1703 (1720s-1730s) - Capture of Nyenschantz - Peter I the Great (1682–1725) - PCGS MS62

Top of the PCGS population - the finest known. A superb exemplar with radiant luster and remarkable overall quality. 

Medalier: copy obverse die from the 1720s–1730s by an unknown medalier, replicating the original "M-2" dies by Philipp Heinrich Müller; reverse die is Müller's work. 

Diakov 17.2 Ar (R3), obverse - unlisted (see note below). 

This portrait type is exceedingly rare, especially in such an exceptional state of preservation. 

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.: View of the siege of the Nyenschantz fortress on the Neva River; in the foreground, a warrior holds a spear and a key. 

Inscription above: 

sIC MᴀɢɴNIs CᴇDIᴛ • oᴠıᴅ •

(Thus does greatness yield – Ovid).

Inscription in exergue:

CASTRVM NOVVM CAPT • | ЕТ DESTR • D • 14 MAI | S • V •

(The new fortress was taken and destroyed on May 14, old style).

In the early 1720s, by order of Peter I, original medal dies created by Philipp Heinrich Müller were restored, and additional medal sets were struck in white metal (a lead-tin alloy). It is known that some of the original dies did not withstand the intensive use and had to be repaired or replaced. At that time, several new dies—precise copies of Müller’s originals—were engraved by unknown medalier. 

In our assessment, this particular medal was struck at a very early date, most likely in the 1720s–1730s and possibly even during Peter the Great’s lifetime. The reverse die is an authentic original by Philipp Heinrich Müller and remains in excellent condition. The obverse die, while engraved by an unknown medalier, is an extraordinarily faithful reproduction of Müller’s “M-2” type. The medal represents an exceptionally rare and historically significant emission. 

The medal commemorates the capture of the Swedish fortress Nyenschantz by Russian forces under Peter the Great on 14 May 1703 during the Great Northern War. Situated at the mouth of the Okhta River where it meets the Neva, the fortress was a key stronghold guarding access to Ingria. Its fall marked the beginning of Russia’s expansion toward the Baltic Sea and the foundation of Saint Petersburg three weeks later. The victory played a crucial strategic and symbolic role in Peter's campaign to open a “window to Europe” and assert Russian power in the region.