A very rare coronation medal of Tsar Alexander III Romanov and his wife, Maria Feodorovna.
One of the most prestigious and scarce issues of 19th-century Russian medallic art, especially in gold.
The coronation of Alexander III took place on May 27, 1883, in the Dormition Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin – a site of great symbolic importance, where Russian tsars had been crowned since the 15th century. The ceremony was particularly significant, occurring two years after the assassination of his father, Alexander II. Through its grandeur, the new emperor emphasized the legitimacy of his rule, his devotion to Orthodoxy, and the continuity of the Romanov dynasty.
Known as a conservative and nationalist ruler, Alexander III rejected his father’s liberal reforms and pursued a policy of strengthening autocracy. The coronation medal thus served a propagandistic role, presenting the imperial couple as “God-anointed” defenders of the empire.
This variety bears the initials А.Г.Г.Р. at the truncation of the Tsar’s bust, belonging to Avner Girshovich Griliches, one of the most distinguished Russian medallists of the period. His works are renowned for their superb portraiture and classical elegance, with the coronation medal standing among his finest achievements.
The issue was of commemorative and prestigious character, distributed among select dignitaries, participants of the ceremony, and reserved for representative purposes within the Russian Empire.
The history of this particular specimen is remarkable. In the 1990s, it was consigned by an elderly lady who, as reported, sought to atone for her actions during 1939–1945 by donating valuables for charitable purposes. The proceeds were used to support children in need. Together with this medal, around 3 kg of gold coins and jewellery were delivered. Unfortunately, at some point, the medal was taken to a jeweller who, while testing the metal, cut into the rim, though without damaging the relief itself.
Despite this flaw, the medal retains an impressive appearance – the details are sharp, the fields preserve plenty of their natural medallic brilliance, and the surface shows an original patina.
A medal of immense historical and numismatic value, offered at auction with only a slight premium above its bullion worth. A rarity not to be missed.
Obverse: portraits of Tsar Alexander III and Maria Feodorovna facing right, with the engraver’s initials А.Г.Г.Р. at the truncation, below the inscription КОРОНОВАНЫ ВЪ МОСКВѢ / ВЪ 1883 Г.
Legend: ИМПЕРАТОРЪ АЛЕКСАНДРЪ III И ИМПЕРАТРИЦА МАРИѦ ΘЕОДОРОВНА
Reverse: majestic imperial double-headed eagle, symbol of the Romanovs, holding orb and sceptre, with the engraver’s initials А.Г.Г.Р. below.
Legend: СЪ НАМИ БОГЪ
Gold, diameter 51 mm, weight 109.16 g
