Russia Silver Medal 1773 - Wedding of Grand Duke Pavel Petrovich and Princess Natalia Alexeievna - Catherine II (1762–1796) - NGC UNC DETAILS

A rare medal, particularly in this exceptional state of preservation. Boasts vibrant, iridescent toned patina with underlying mint brilliance. Its impressive size (65mm) and refined artistry make it a standout addition to any advanced collection, notwithstanding a few light obverse marks. 

Medalier: I. G. Jaeger (signed I • G • IÆGER • F • below the busts on obverse);

J. B. Gass (signed I • B • G • F • at lower right on reverse).

Diakov 164.1 (Ar – R2)

Obv.: Confronted busts of Grand Duke Pavel Petrovich and Grand Duchess Natalia Alexeievna.

Inscription around:

ВЕЛИКIЙ КНЯЗЬ ПАВЕЛЪ ПЕТРОВИЧЬ • ВЕЛИКАЯ КНЯГИНЯ НАТАЛIЯ АЛЕКСѢЕВНА •

(Grand Duke Pavel Petrovich – Grand Duchess Natalia Alexeievna).

Below the busts:

I • G • IÆGER • F •

(Executed by I. G. Jaeger).

Rev.: Hymen, the classical god of marriage, holding a torch and standing beside an altar.

Inscription around:

БОЖÏИМЪ ПРОВИДѢНÏЕМЪ •

(By Divine Providence).

Below right:

I • B • G • F •

(Executed by J. B. Gass).

In exergue:

БРАКОСОЧЕТАНIЕ СОВЕРШЕНО СЕНТЯБРЯ 29 • ДНЯ • 1773 • ГОДА •

(The wedding took place on September 29, 1773). 

This medal commemorates the wedding of Grand Duke Pavel Petrovich, heir to the Russian throne and future Emperor Paul I, and Princess Wilhelmine Louise of Hesse-Darmstadt, who adopted the name Natalia Alexeievna upon converting to Orthodoxy. The marriage was orchestrated by Empress Catherine II as part of her diplomatic efforts to forge closer ties with the German principalities. The wedding took place on September 29, 1773, in St. Petersburg and was celebrated with great ceremonial grandeur.

Grand Duke Pavel, the only son of Peter III and Catherine II, had been raised largely apart from the court's political intrigues, and his marriage was intended both to secure the dynastic line and to stabilize his personal position. Natalia Alexeievna, noted for her intelligence and charm, quickly gained favor at the imperial court. However, the marriage soon proved strained, with tensions arising from court politics, expectations of producing an heir, and growing personal incompatibility.

In 1776, while pregnant with her second child, Natalia Alexeievna died during childbirth at the age of 21. Her death was a source of deep sorrow for Pavel and caused a stir at court, as rumors of medical negligence and political intrigue circulated. Despite the brevity of their union, the marriage had symbolic importance as a dynastic alliance and is remembered as a poignant chapter in the life of the future emperor. The medal, with its classical imagery and dual portraiture, captures the solemn dignity and hopeful aspirations that surrounded the imperial wedding.