1 ruble in 1839 "In memory of the opening of the monument chapel on the Borodino field" ("Borodinsky ruble")

A very rare commemorative coin minted during the reign of Emperor Nicholas I to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Victory in The Great Patriotic War of 1812 and dedicated to the grand opening of the main monument on the Borodino field. The Borodino Ruble is one of the most iconic, beautiful and sought—after commemorative coins of the Russian Empire. Issued in a limited edition for distribution to participants of the grandiose Borodino celebrations of 1839 (including war veterans and guards ranks), the coin is a magnificent example of medal art of the classical era.

Silver (868 proof), stamped. Weight 20.73 g. Diameter 35.5 mm. St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg) Mint. Edition of 160,000 copies General engraver Heinrich Gube (H. GUBE F.)

Obverse: In the center is a profile portrait of Emperor Alexander I, the Blessed One, facing right, during whose reign victory over Napoleon. The portrait is crowned with a radiant All-seeing eye (the Eye of Providence). There is a relief inscription around the circumference: "ALEXANDER THE FIRST B.M. EMPEROR OF ALL RUSSIA." There is a naked sword intertwined with a laurel branch under the portrait, as well as the medallist's signature — "H. GUBE F.". Reverse: In the center, the main monument to the heroes of the Battle of Borodino, erected on the Rayevsky battery by architect Antonio Adamini (blown up in 1932, recreated in 1987), is reproduced in detail. The face value is indicated under the base of the chapel: "1 RUBLE". Along the edge there is an inscription in a circle: "BORODINO 26 AUG. 1812 OPENED 26 AUG. 1839." Edge: Dotted (ribbed).

Guarantee of authenticity.

Good collectible preservation (VF+ / XF-). The coin has a pleasant, clear relief with high detail of the elements of the monument-the chapel and the letters. The surface is covered with a beautiful, noble age-old patina, emphasizing the authenticity of the object. Natural micro-scratches of the field, without traces of rough mechanical intervention or cleaning.

In August 1839, large-scale historical celebrations took place on the Borodino field. At the site of fierce fighting, the Rayevsky Battery, in the presence of Emperor Nicholas I, the royal family and a 150,000—strong army, a majestic 27—meter cast-iron monument chapel was inaugurated and consecrated. Veterans of the Battle of Borodino also took part in these maneuvers. This commemorative ruble was minted at the St. Petersburg Mint especially for this event. The portrait of the late Alexander I on the obverse emphasized the continuity of memory and tribute to the victorious emperor, and the ruble itself became not just a means of payment, but a real commemorative medal for contemporaries and descendants.