Russia Bronze Award Medal ND (1896–1900) - In Commemoration of the Reign of Emperor Nicholas I - Nicholas II (1894-1917)

14.88g. 28mm. UNC/AU. Edge filling 7h. 

St. Petersburg mint. 

Mintage is 220000 pcs. 

Medalier: Obv. - S. Z. Vazhenin. Rev. - S. N. Pogonov (unsigned).

Diakov 612.1; Bitkin (medals) 1140. 

Obv.: Bust of Emperor Nicholas I right. 

Inscription around: 

НИКОЛАЙ I ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОД. ВСЕРОСС. 

(Nicholas I, Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russians). 

Rev.: Inscription within wreath. 

Inscription: 

ВЪ ПАМЯТЬ ЦАРЯ ВѢРОЮ ЕМУ ПОСЛУЖИВШИМЪ 

(In memory of the Tsar faithfully served). 

In centre: 

1825 | 1855. 

The Medal “In Commemoration of the Reign of Emperor Nicholas I” was a state award of the Russian Empire. It was established on 30 April 1896 by decree of Nicholas II of Russia to mark the centenary of the birth of Nicholas I of Russia. The decree was announced by War Minister P. S. Vannovsky.

The medal was intended for individuals who had served during the reign of Nicholas I (1825-1855). The silver version was awarded to officers and civil officials of rank, while the bronze version was granted to lower ranks. From 1 February 1897, eligibility was extended to clergy, artists of the Imperial Theatres, and members of the Emperor’s household staff who had served during his reign. 

The award was produced primarily at the St. Petersburg Mint, though private workshops were also permitted to manufacture it, resulting in minor variations. The medal was worn on the chest suspended from a combined Alexander-Vladimir ribbon.