1 ruble coin of 1834 "In memory of the opening of the Alexander Column"

Ruler: Emperor Nicholas I

Metal: Silver 868 samples

Standard weight: 20.73 g

Diameter: 35.5mm

Circulation: 15,000 copies

Medal winner: Heinrich Gube (signed "GUBE F." on the obverse)

Edge: Ribbed

Obverse.

In the center of the coin field there is a profile portrait of Emperor Alexander I, facing to the right. In the cut-off of the emperor's neck, the signature of the medallist is stamped: GUBE F. (Gube fecit — "made by Lip"). Along the edge, from left to right, there is a circular inscription in strict academic script: "ALEXANDER THE GREAT B. M. EMPEROR OF ALL RUSSIA." A clear decorative edging of teeth is made around the circumference of the coin.

Reverse.

In the center of the field, the Alexander Column on the Palace Square in Moscow is depicted in detail and relief. St. Petersburg, crowned with the figure of an angel trampling a snake with a cross. The metal fence surrounding the monument is stamped at the base. ""To ALEXANDER THE GREAT" is written in a semicircle to the left of the monument, and "GRATEFUL RUSSIA. 1834." to the right. At the bottom, under the line of the earthen edge, the coin's face value is indicated: "1. RUBLE". The edge of the reverse is also decorated with decorative teeth.

XF+ / AU (Extremely Fine / About Uncirculated — Excellent / Almost excellent condition).   The patina is a natural collectible, noble gray shade with a slight cabinet tint. Coin field: The field mirror is clean, without gross mechanical damage, deep scratches or nicks. There are minimal, barely noticeable traces of use (micro-bumps), characteristic of careful storage.

Relief: High degree of preservation of relief elements. The small details of the decorative fence at the foot of the column, the bas-reliefs on the pedestal and the folds of the angel's robe at the top have retained their clarity and volume. The text of the inscriptions and the nominal numbers are sharp, with no signs of through-wear or slickness of the stamp.

Edging and edge: The edging of the coin is smooth around the entire circumference, the pronounced decorative teeth have no nicks, cramped areas and traces of deformation from falls. The edge is of the correct geometry, without sawdust and mechanical interventions.

This ruble is the first official commemorative coin of the Russian Empire. It was minted by decree of Nicholas I for a landmark event — the grand opening and consecration of a grand monument in honor of Alexander I's victory over Napoleon. The monument, created by architect Auguste Montferrand, was unveiled on August 30, 1834. The coin is issued beyond the limits of ordinary monetary circulation, has outstanding artistic value and is a recognized masterpiece of Russian medal sculpture of the 19th century. It is of high collector and investment interest.