The entire January New York International Auction is now available online
for browsing. In
upcoming weeks we will continue to offer previews of highlights from our sale.
This week we have three jaw-dropping lots that share a commonality. These
Russian Medals could each qualify as an individual own preview piece and were each
thoroughly cataloged by Kyle Ponterio.
The first medal is a “Capture of Azov” medal in gold, our lot 3303. Featuring a facing armored bust of
Peter the Great, this medal immediately grabs the viewer’s attention. The
portrait is simple yet expressive and displays his youthful vigor, modeled
after the emperor greatly expanded his naval forces and struck a blow against
the neighboring Ottomans. Kyle has recreated the military campaign to take the
fortress at Azov in his description, and the reverse motif evokes the chaos of
the bombardment.
Our second featured medal also depicts Peter the Great and the bombardment
of Azov. Lot 3304 commemorates the first European tour
of the Tsar, where he observed European technologies (specifically
shipbuilding). After returning to Russia, Peter I utilized what he saw on the
trip to expand and modernize his fleet, which as mentioned above would go on to
capture Azov and elevate Russia as a global naval power. The obverse features a
richly adorned half-length bust of Peter I wearing a mantle and holding a
scepter. The reverse displays the classic motif of an armored St. George riding
down and lancing a dragon. The bombardment of Azov continues in the background
providing elevated drama.
The last medal we highlight is a stunning and potentially unique gold
coronation medal of Empress Anna. As above, Kyle provides insight into some of
the issues surrounding her reign in the description for lot 3319. Anna’s crowned bust appears on the
obverse design with the legend around. A trio of deities prepares Anna for her
coronation ceremony, with Fortune and Faith extending a globus cruciger and
scepter, while Love deftly crowns the widowed empress. At 62 mm in diameter
this medal has considerable heft. When you consider that in all likelihood this
is a unique piece, we anticipate tremendous bidding activity before the hammer
falls.
In addition to the three medals mentioned above we are pleased to offer a nice
selection of additional Russian medals, so please be certain to check the live
and online sessions.
While we are no longer
accepting consignments for our New York International Auction, we are accepting
consignments of world and ancient coins and world paper money for our May 2017
Collector’s Choice Online Auction and August 2017 ANA Auction as well as Chinese
and other Asian coins and currency for our April 2017 Hong Kong Showcase
Auction. Time is running short, so if you are interested in consigning your
coins and paper currency (whether a whole collection or a single rarity) be
sure to contact one of our consignment directors.
