Kerensky Jetton Commemorating the 1917 February Revolution.
Gilded Brass, 30.5 x 21.9 mm. The obverse shows a portrait of Aleksandr Kerensky, the last Prime Minister of the Russian Provisional Government, and inscription in raised letters "A.F. Kerensky". On the reverse, there is a rising sun and raised inscription "Long Live Freedom, 27 February 1917". "Current event" jettons such as this one were usually anonymously produced; this jetton, however, bears a maker's name: "D. Kuchkin Factory, Moscow".
In outstanding, excellent condition - extremely uncommon for a donation jetton of its period. The details of the artwork are perfect and exceptionally crips. The gilt finish is completely intact and bright.
On 27 February 1917 (March 12 according to the modern Gregorian calendar) the so-called February Revolution in Russia came to a head. Three days earlier, Socialist deputies in the Duma, mainly Mensheviks and Socialists, started to organize a city-wide council in an attempt to finally bring order out of the chaos into which the city of St. Petersburg (and all of Russia with it) had been inexorably been sinking for months. Ironically, the Petrograd Soviet also met in the same building, the Tauride Palace. On 27 February according to the old Julian calendar, Nicholas II had abdicated and the Romanovs no longer ruled. At that point, there were many who wanted to believe that Russia was on the verge of a new era of freedom. This jetton shows proof that there were many who hoped that thing in 1917 were going to improve for Russia and that the February Revolution heralded change for the better.
Please note, penny in our photo is for size reference.
Item# 43670
$180.00 Add to cart