Incredibly Rare NGC-graded Russian Pattern Coin Makes Appearance in Stack's Auction

An incredibly rare Russian pattern coin certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) is among the highlights of a Stack’s Bowers Hong Kong auction. Online bidding is currently underway for the sale, which is being held April 6-8, 2021.

The Russia 1825 Constantine – Plain Edge Rouble is graded NGC PF 62 and pedigreed to Joseph/Richter (lot 50103). Featuring the bust of a would-be emperor, Constantine, this rarity — once dubbed “the world’s most expensive non-US coin” — has an estimate of $400,000 to $600,000.

Russia 1825 Rouble graded NGC PF 62 and pedigreed to Joseph/Richter Click images to enlarge.

These pattern coins were struck during a brief period in late 1825 after the death of Emperor Alexander, whose younger brother Constantine was expected to succeed him. However, Constantine did not want the throne. It went instead to his younger brother, Nicholas, who ruled for nearly 30 years.

This example is one of just eight known, and one of only three with a plain edge. NGC has pedigreed it to the collections of L.K. Joseph and F.F. von Richter. The result from this auction is likely to be one of the highest prices realized for any Russian coin.

Meanwhile, the sale also includes an impressive selection of Chinese rarities, including a desirable 1907 Gold Tael graded NGC MS 64 (lot 52136) with an estimate of $100,000 to $150,000. Struck in the waning years of the imperial era, patterns like this one were part of an ambitious plan for circulating gold coins that China did not have the gold reserves to implement.

China 1907 Gold Tael graded NGC MS 64 Click images to enlarge.

Other NGC-certified highlights include:

• a China 1910 Silver Dollar graded NGC MS 64 (lot 52161) with an estimate of $80,000 to $100,000
• a Russia 1771 Novodel Ruble graded NGC MS 65 (lot 50102) with an estimate of $60,000 to $90,000
• a Korea 1906 10 Won graded NGC MS 66 and pedigreed to the Eliasberg Collection (lot 51234) with an estimate of $50,000 to $80,000
• a China 1914 L. Giorgi Silver Dollar graded NGC UNC Details (lot 52311) with an estimate of $50,000 to $70,000
• a China (1990) 15oz Vault Protector Gold Medal graded NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo (lot 51448) with an estimate of $45,000 to $60,000
• a Thailand (1864) Silver 4 Baht graded NGC MS 61+ (lot 51364) with an estimate of $40,000 to $50,000
• a China (1928) Auto Dollar graded NGC AU 50 (lot 53325) with an estimate of $20,000 to $40,000

All estimates are provided by the auction house.