Nikolai pattern ruble. 0

[Ratzie33]

I did a little research and found pattern RUSS gold rouble coins from 
1895 with planed down edges purposefully executed at the mint to reduce the impact of the edge lettering many times to a nonexistent state altogether.

Taking a careful examination of Nikolai’s bust it is evident there is a severe elongation of proportion, along with a thicker fuller beard, and no lower incuse cheek bone connecting with the lower portion of the eye. The shading of the middle portion of the beard on the cheek makes it look like he has a smily-dimple. The forehead is angled completely straight down without any defining line running parallel.

The shape of the nose and nostril as well as the lacking eyebrow ridge. The mustache line has a different double bump shape, and the definition and detail in the beginning if the sideburn hair is noticeable. Overall the detailing of the hair is entirely different and smoother. Where the hairline meets the neck there is no definite contour,  just a few dispersed angled lines. Where the hair meets the forehead there is more space with a severe downward angle.

The eye slit is far smaller, and the space between the eye and the hair far greater. He has an actual eyelid. He looks kinda like a beady-eyed Bearnstein Bear. The smile line is clearly evident and not hidden by mustache hair, and there is no steep angle at the end of the mustache pointing upward, allowing him a softer less severe, and friendlier complexion: DEFINITELY not the preferred image of a Tsar. There is a little bump underneath his chin, on his neck: like a weak Adam’s apple. Not the desired virility a Tsar would liken to.

And finally the edge of the coin is smooth lacking any lettering. It also appears thicker than 2.7mm and looks bimetallic.

Pattern Proof Coin pictured first 

Regular Strike pictured second 

Edited December 26, 2020 by Ratzie33

[Ratzie33]

[GoldFinger1969]

I have a gold coin that I think is like 1/5th of an ounce or something like that with Czar Nick II....have to check.  Never noticed or looked for edge lettering.

[Ratzie33]

Hey buddy,

welcome to the forum. So almost(exceptions being RUSS patterns and the 100 franc ruble) all coins of ruble denomination or higher have incise edge lettering looking something like this 1844 rouble.

Edited December 26, 2020 by Ratzie33

[Ratzie33]

WHEREAS this coin is incredibly unique: lacking edge lettering and has a strange double toned rim.

Edited December 26, 2020 by Ratzie33

[Ratzie33]

In 1886 Tsar Alexander III rejected a pattern rouble simply because the relief was not high enough for his liking. These coins are difficult to pick out. In this case the differences are far more pronounced and readily apparent. The termination of the elongation of proportion created a series of necessary changes to the final design. Some buttoning up here and beard and hair trimming there.

Edited December 26, 2020 by Ratzie33

[Fenntucky Mike]

I like it better when you "discover" American rarities.

What has spurred this recent interest in Russian coinage?

Edited December 27, 2020 by Fenntucky Mike
scare quotes

[RWB]

Not a pattern or novodel.

[dimonets]

Just a regular 1895 rouble.