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In collector communities, one can find truly unique specimens. For example, one competition resulted in the presentation of a very rare trial coin — a 1840 2 kopecks in silver.
In collector communities, one can find truly unique specimens. For example, one competition resulted in the presentation of a very rare trial coin — a 1840 2 kopecks in silver.
Such coins are a source of pride and active discussion, showcasing the high level of collections and the deep knowledge of the numismatic community's members.
There are days when a plethora of interesting coins compels you to leave your sanctuary and go on a hunt. Three to four times a year, events are held where a large amount of numismatic material is brought in, and this becomes a reason for a trip.
The journey to the auction passes through historical places. Passing by the monument to Alexander II, one might recall his fate: he did not aspire to power and wanted to live in Paris, but circumstances forced him to reform a vast country, which ultimately led to his death.
The goal of the trip is the search for 'poltinniks,' coins with a denomination of 50 kopecks. Ahead lies the viewing of the lots and the auction itself.
The auction hall is filled with an atmosphere of concentration. Before the bidding begins, collectors carefully examine the displayed lots, and their determined looks suggest a tense battle ahead for the interesting specimens.
Upon inspecting the 'poltinniks,' the difference in quality is immediately apparent. The Soviet coins, presented in bags, look quite dull and unimpressive. Their condition is difficult to assess due to the packaging.
The Tsarist coins, on the other hand, make a very good impression. Their condition and appearance attract attention, and it becomes clear that the main competition at the auction will be for them.
| Lot | Description | Final Price (with commission) |
| 187 | Set of Soviet silver coins | around 300 euros |
| 188 | Set of 10 Soviet poltinniks in MS condition | around 300 euros |
| 162 | 50 kopecks 1899 (Paris Mint, with a star) | around 400 euros |
| 164 | 50 kopecks 1910 (mintage 150,000) | 380 euros + commission |
| 168 | 50 kopecks 1914 | around 470 euros |
| 154 | Poltina 1820 (Alexander I, mintage 42,000) | 1500 euros + commission |
| 145 | 50 kopecks 1891 (Alexander III, mintage 24,000) | around 5000 euros |
The auction featured several interesting lots with 50-kopeck and poltina coins. Both Soviet and Tsarist specimens attracted special attention, with prices varying depending on rarity and condition.
Among the Soviet coins, sets that sold for several hundred euros stood out. However, the main interest was in the rare coins of the imperial period, for which the bidding was particularly fierce.
Some lots, according to observers, sold for very attractive prices, while for the rarest specimens, like the 1891 50 kopecks, a serious battle unfolded, driving the price up to several thousand euros.
Despite the large number of interesting lots, no personal acquisitions were made at this auction. The reason was a major purchase made a week earlier—a ruble in high-grade MS 66 condition, which had depleted the budget.
However, the main interest was focused on the 1899 50-kopeck coin, minted at the Paris Mint with a star on the edge. A fellow enthusiast had already placed an absentee bid on this coin, so to avoid unnecessary competition, the decision was made to refrain from bidding on the lot.
In the end, the coin was purchased by the colleague for 350 euros plus the auction commission. After that, it was handed over to be sent for slabbing—encapsulation in a special holder with a condition assessment from a professional grading company.
After the auction, the 1899 poltinnik was sent for grading to the company NGC. Upon its return, the coin received a grade of MS 61 (Mint State 61). This confirms that the coin was not in circulation but has some imperfections.
Although a grade of MS 62 was expected, the received grade is a good result. In American numismatics, for example, an MS 61 grade for Morgan dollars often implies a rather worn appearance, whereas this specimen has retained a lot of 'life' and luster.
Ultimately, the coin's owner was satisfied with the result. The process itself, from the auction purchase to receiving a professional grade, brought positive emotions and added to the collecting experience.
| Mintmaster's Initials | Degree of Rarity |
| (Paris Mint) | The most common variety |
| АГ (Apollon Grashof) | A frequently encountered variety |
| ФЗ (Felix Zaleman) | A rarer variety |
| ЭБ (Elikum Babayants) | A true rarity, very rare |
The year 1899 is very interesting for collectors of 50-kopeck coins, as they were minted this year with the initials of four different mintmasters, creating several varieties of varying rarity.
The most common is considered to be the coin from the Paris Mint, which is distinguished by a star on its edge. Other varieties are found less frequently and are valued more highly, especially in high-grade condition.
In Mint State condition (without signs of circulation), coins with the initials ФЗ and especially ЭБ are extremely difficult to find. For example, according to some data, only one specimen of the 1899 poltinnik with the initials ФЗ exists in grade MS 67.