SILVER ROUBLE OF EMPEROR ALEXANDER III. SAINT PETERSBURG MINT, 1893

A silver rouble of the Russian Empire from the reign of Emperor Alexander III, struck in 1893 at the Saint Petersburg Mint. The coin belongs to the late portrait type of Alexander III silver roubles. The standard specifications for this issue were 900 silver, a weight of 20.0 g and a diameter of 33.65 mm.

The obverse features a right-facing profile portrait of Emperor Alexander III. The surrounding legend reads: “Б.М. АЛЕКСАНДРЪ III ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОССIЙСКIЙ” (“By the Grace of God Alexander III, Emperor and Autocrat of All Russia”). The portrait corresponds to the later type introduced in 1892, distinguished by the Emperor’s elongated beard.

The reverse depicts the Lesser State Coat of Arms of the Russian Empire: the crowned double-headed eagle holding the sceptre and orb, with a shield bearing Saint George slaying the dragon upon its breast and the territorial coats of arms of the Russian Empire displayed upon its wings. The denomination and date, “РУБЛЬ 1893 Г.”, appear below. Both sides are bordered by a denticulated rim.

The edge of this issue bears the inscription “ЧИСТАГО СЕРЕБРА 4 ЗОЛОТНИКА 21 ДОЛЯ” (“4 zolotniks 21 dolyas of pure silver”) together with the mintmaster’s initials “А Г”, corresponding to Apollon Grasgov.

Dimensions: Diameter 3.4 cm. Thickness 2.5 mm.

Weight: 19.83 g. 900 silver. The standard weight was 20.0 g, containing 18.0 g of pure silver.

Condition: Good condition. The principal elements of the portrait, Imperial coat of arms, legends and date remain clearly legible.