Feb. 16, 2001, The Benson Collection Part 1, Sale 8

World Crowns and Minors

Russian Coins from the Dr. Robert Hesselgesser Collection

Lot 3765
Russia. Alexander I (1801-1825). 1822-AM-KM. 2 Kopecks. B-306A. Novodel. Lovely light golden reddish surfaces. NGC graded MS-66 Red and Brown.
Estimated Value $250-UP.

Important Nicholas I 1827 Masonic Ruble

Lot 3766
Russia. Nicholas I (1825-1855). 1827-SPB-NG. Novodel Pattern Portrait Ruble. Sev-2910 (RRR); Jul-1045 (RRR). Silver. 20.2 grams. 36 mm. Lettered edge. Bust of Nicholas I right. Mint mark under truncation. Reverse: "Masonic" type eagle within circular wreath. Unusual filed edges, probably done at the mint for die preparation. Extremely Rare. Some light hairlines on reflective surfaces but the piece is exceptionally attractive because of its light silvery color, frosted reverse devices, and pale golden hues around the legends. Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $17,500-UP.
This is a Novodel issue of an excessively rare, never used Pattern Rouble. Apparently this is the same coin, listed as no. 36, in the Grand Duke Georgii Mikhailovich's privately printed treatise on some of his historical, important, and rare coins -- "Description and Illustration of Some Rare Coins in my Collection", St. Petersburg, 1886.

Lot 3767
Russia. Nicholas I (1825-1855). 1830-EM. Pattern 5 Kopecks. FKh. B-239. Original pattern striking. Extremely Rare. Harshly graded. A choice coin with very pleasing chocolate-brown surfaces, the devices delicately outlined with some mint red color. NGC graded MS-62.
Estimated Value $550-700.

Lot 3768
Russia. Nicholas I (1825-1855). 1830-EM. 1 Kopeck. B-79. Novodel. Glossy dark-chocolate brown, hints of red, sharply struck, semi-reflective reverse showing lovely golden green iridescence as well. A beauty! NGC graded MS-64.
Estimated Value $135-175.

Lot 3769
Russia. Nicholas I to Nicholas II. 1832-1915. 1 Kopeck lot. Dates include: 1832, 1872 (2 pieces), 1879, 1880, 1892, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1899, 1905, 1914, and 1915. Lot of 13 coins. About Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $150-200.

Lot 3770
Russia. Nicholas I (1825-1855). 1833-CM. 1 Kopeck. B-85A (Rare); KM-N508. Plain edge. Novodel. Choice About Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $125-200.

Lot 3771
Russia. Nicholas I (1825-1855). 1835-NG-SPB. 20 Kopecks. Sev-3089. Finely toned, and attractive. NGC graded Proof 65. Very rare.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,200.

Lot 3772
Russia. Nicholas I (1825-1855). 1839 NG-SPB. 25 Kopecks. Sev-3288. Brilliant, reflective. Silvery gray toning with a hint of gold. Rare date. NGC graded Proof 64.
Estimated Value $1,000-2,000.

Lot 3773
Russia. Nicholas I (1825-1855). 1840. 3 Kopecks. SP'. B-206. From the Pattern series struck in St. Petersburg for Nicholas I's monogram coinage. Rare. Very bold appearance! Bright brown surfaces, all the devices outlined in red and plenty of faded mint red in the fields as well. Perfectly centered; impressive. NGC graded Proof 64.
Estimated Value $675-800.

Lot 3774
Russia. Nicholas I (1825-1855). 1849. Pattern 1 Kopeck. SPM. B-119. Very Rare. NGC graded Proof 62.
Estimated Value $250-350.

Lot 3775
Russia. Nicholas I (1825-1855). 1849-SPM. Set of Pattern Kopecks. 5 Kopecks: B-262a. 3 Kopecks: B-225. 2 Kopecks: B-186. 1 Kopeck: B-119. 1 Denezhka: B-56. 1 Polushka: B-21. Choice, with fine red to brown toning. Lot of 6 coins. Choice Uncirculated to Proof. Saint Petersburg patterns are very rare.
Estimated Value $1,000-UP.

Lot 3776
Russia. Nicholas I (1825-1855). 1849. Pattern Polushka. SPM. B-21; KM-Pn113. St. Petersburg patterns are Very Rare. Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $250-350.

Lot 3777
Russia. Nicholas I (1825-1855). 1850. Poltina. Cr-167.1. SPB, PA. Toned. PCGS graded MS-63.
Estimated Value $200-250.
Ex Pittman.

Lot 3778
Russia. Nicholas I (1825-1855). 1850. 5 Kopecks. PA-SP'. Sev-3560; Cr-163. Silver. Toned. Choice Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $20-40.

Lot 3779
Russia. Nicholas I (1825-1855). 1854-HI. 5 Kopecks. SP'. Sev-3614; Cr-163. Silver. Choice Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $25-40.

Lot 3780
Russia. Alexander II (1855-1881). 1856. Poltina. F'-SP'. Sev-3643; Y-17. Beautifully toned, silvery gold iridescence, splashes of bright blue. NGC graded Proof 64.
Estimated Value $1,250-UP.
Ex Irving Goodman Sale, Feb 1991, Lot 1193.

Lot 3781
Russia. Alexander II (1855-1881). 1856. Poltina. F'-SP'. Sev-3643; Y-17. Delightful silvery gray toning. NGC graded MS-62.
Estimated Value $150-225.
Ex Irving Goodman Sale, Feb 1991, Lot 1195.

Lot 3782
Russia. Alexander II (1855-1881). 1857. 10 Kopecks. F'. Sev-3646; Y-14.1. Prooflike. Toned. Choice Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $20-40.

Lot 3783
Russia. Alexander II (1855-1881). 1858. 5 Kopecks. F'. Sev-3656; Y-13. Silver. Scarce date. Choice Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $45-75.

Lot 3784
Russia. Alexander II (1855-1881). 1860. Poltina. F'-SP'. Sev-3690; Y-24. Light golden blue iridescence. NGC graded Proof 65.
Estimated Value $900-1,100.

Lot 3785
Russia. Alexander II to Nicholas II. 1863 and 1905. 20 Kopecks. Sev-3739, 4117. Lot of 2 coins. Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $20-40.

Lot 3786
Russia. Alexander II (1855-1881). 1864. Ruble. NF-SP'. Dav-289; Sev-3751. Lightly hairlined with milky white surfaces. Rare nonetheless. About Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $475-600.
Ex Irving Goodman Sale, Feb 1991, Lot 1147.

Lot 3787
Russia. Alexander II (1855-1881). 1871. Pattern 10 Kopecks Nickel. KM-Pn. 138. AU-50 Details (Cleaned) Net Grade EF-40.
Estimated Value $500-600.

Lot 3788
Russia. Alexander II (1855-1881). 1873-EM. 5 Kopecks. Y-12; B-240. Lightly cleaned, tannish brown. Proof.
Estimated Value $325-550.
Ex Irving Goodman Sale, Feb 1991, Lot 1288.

Lot 3789
Russia. Alexander II (1855-1881). 1875. Ruble. HI-SP'. Dav-289; Sev-3849. About Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $130-170.