In aluminum, measures 27.9 mm in width; weighs 2.4 g. The obverse has a bas-relief portrait of the late emperor and inscription "Alexander III, Emperor of All Russia". The reverse bears an inscription "The World is Grieving over Your Demise; Your Loyal Nation is Weeping. 20 Oct(ober) 1894".

In very fine overall condition. There is a minor amount of pitting, mostly to the raised points of the obverse, and tiny contact marks throughout but no significant scratches, nicks or edge knocks. The details of the emperor's portrait are well preserved, while the reverse is nearly p

In aluminum, measures 27.9 mm in width; weighs 2.4 g. The obverse has a bas-relief portrait of the late emperor and inscription "Alexander III, Emperor of All Russia". The reverse bears an inscription "The World is Grieving over Your Demise; Your Loyal Nation is Weeping. 20 Oct(ober) 1894".

In very fine overall condition. There is a minor amount of pitting, mostly to the raised points of the obverse, and tiny contact marks throughout but no significant scratches, nicks or edge knocks. The details of the emperor's portrait are well preserved, while the reverse is nearly pristine.

A somewhat unusual aspect of this piece is that it is made of aluminum. Discovered in 1825, the metal was initially hard to extract and until mid- to late XIX C. considered a rare precious material more expensive than gold and a status symbol (Napoleon III famously replaced some of his gold tableware with that in cast aluminum). By the 1890s, the cost of its production had dropped precipitously but the metal was still something of a novelty.

Please note, the penny in our photo is for size reference.
$170.00  Add to cart