SOLD
13,000.00USD+ (1,950.00) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2010 Jan 11 @ 17:12UTC-5 : EST/CDT
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Russian Coins and Historical Medals. Alexander II, 1855-1881. Trial Striking using the die of 20 Kopecks 1863. Struck at the St. Petersburg Mint in 1876 using the method of the American engineer George Champney. 21.4 mm, 0.09 mm thick. 4.13 gm. Silver. Reeded edge. Cf.Bit 597 (Bitkin lists only a plain edge); cf.Uzd p.655, fig.36; Cf.Pagani (Prove) 105; Cf. Mont. 6; cf.CNI 467, 32. Obverse of an Italian Gold 20 Lire of Vittorio Emanuele II, 1863 (Torino). Imperial eagle obverse of a Russian 20 Kopecks. Only the second known example with a reeded edge (the other example was featured in the ??????? ??????????????? ??? sale, November 7, 2009, lot 253). Toned Choice extremely fine
In April 1876, the American engineer George Champney of Boston petitioned the Russian Minister of Finance to present his new technique of die preparation, which included the ability of copying directly from the coin (Champney patented his method in the U.S. in 1872 and in Great Britain in 1875). By ministerial decree, Champney was allowed to make his presentation at the St. Petersburg mint. There his technique showed good “promise.” According to the Chief of the St. Petersburg mint (see: ???. ??. ?????i? ??????????? «???????i? ? ?????????i? ?????????? ??????? ?????? ????? ??????i?», pp. 32-34), Champney conducted his experiment by using the die of the 72 Fineness standard 20 Kopecks. He deliberately selected an unapproved die which featured a high relief Imperial eagle to show that his new technique could be used with high-relief coinage. He married this to the obverse of an Italian 1863 20 Lire.
Previous study of this fascinating type was apparently limited to one variety and in some cases based on earlier writing without necessarily an actual example to study. Hence earlier scholarship may not present a clear picture. In researching these pieces we were presented with the unique opportunity of comparing two flan varieties of the issue. The two examples presented here were clearly struck on different flans. The smooth edge type is much thicker and slightly smaller than its reeded edge companion. Bitkin calls this experimental piece a “Trial striking on a flan of 20 Kopecks.” Comparison shows this to be incorrect as the 20 Kopeck flan of this period was larger than both these mules and featured distinctly different edging. So it is not a trial striking on a 20 Kopeck flan, but rather a trial striking employing 20 Kopeck dies. It is quite likely that Champney making an important presentation to high-ranking officials at the St. Petersburg mint used coin blanks that he had brought with him. Clearly after four years of promoting his technique, Champney would have his presentations down to a science and would have all the “presentation tools” at hand.
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| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
15% |
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Mode: Payment should be made in United States Dollars in the form of cash or cheques drawn on a United States bank, or by means of a banker’s draft or bank transfer directly to the auctioneer’s bank account, quoting the original invoice number. Unless prior
arrangements have been make, and payment is made by any other means, the customer will be liable for any bank or collection charges incurred.
Currency: The sale will be conducted in United States Dollars. Full settlement will be expected also to be in United States Dollars.
Payment made in other currencies will, of course, be accepted. BUT the customer will be responsible for all bank charges and any differences in the exchange rates upon conversion.
Full Settlement: Full Settlement is due on receipt of invoice. No items will be dispatched except to established account customers, unless full payment has been received.
Payment can be made by:
• US$ cheque/bank draft or deposit payable to:
A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd.
• Bank Transfer:
Citizens Bank, Boston, Massachusets
a/c no 1306810466
in the name of A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd
for domestic US wires: ABA # 011500120
for international wires: ABA # 211070175
international wire: SWIFT code CTZIUS33
Please fax details of your payment to A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd
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