A Lucky Auction Purchase: A Review of Rare USSR Silver Poltinniks - AUCBURG
A Lucky Auction Purchase: A Review of Rare USSR Silver Poltinniks
An interesting lot consisting of ten silver Poltinniks was recently won at an online auction. The coins were sold as a single set, and the decision to purchase was made spontaneously, without a detailed study of the varieties—the good condition of several specimens caught my attention.
An interesting lot consisting of ten silver Poltinniks was recently won at an online auction. The coins were sold as a single set, and the decision to purchase was made spontaneously, without a detailed study of the varieties—the good condition of several specimens caught my attention.
A pleasant surprise awaited after receiving the package. The condition of the coins exceeded all expectations. Moreover, among them was a very rare 1922 Poltinnik with the mintmaster's initials 'AG', which had not been noticed at the time of purchase. This variety is considered quite expensive and valuable for numismatists.
Poltinniks in Excellent Condition: 1926 and 1925
The first one that stands out is a 1926 Poltinnik in superb condition. Four rays are clearly visible on the coin, which is a sign of good preservation. Finding similar specimens in 'raw' form, meaning they have not been slabbed, is quite difficult.
Another notable coin in the lot was a 1925 Poltinnik. It is also in very good condition and has a distinct mint luster. Both specimens have the initials of the mintmaster 'PL' (Pyotr Latyshev) on the edge and are excellent examples for a collection.
Poltinniks in Excellent Condition: 1926 and 1925
Common and Uncommon Coins in the Lot
Term
Description
AG
Initials of mintmaster Artur Hartman, found on rarer coins.
PL
Initials of mintmaster Pyotr Latyshev, characteristic of most common issues.
Slabbing
The process of grading and encapsulating a coin in a special protective holder (slab) by an expert company.
In numismatics, it's important to distinguish not only the year of issue but also other details, such as the initials on the coin's edge. They indicate the mintmaster responsible for the mintage.
The lot also included several 1924 coins with the 'PL' initials. One of them is in good condition, another has a patina, making its value close to its metal content. Of particular interest is a 1921 Poltinnik with 'AG' initials, as this year is considered one of the three rarest for this coin type, along with 1927 and the 1922 'AG'.
Common and Uncommon Coins in the Lot
The Grand Prize: The Rarest 1922 Poltinnik (AG)
The most valuable coin in this set, without a doubt, is the 1922 Poltinnik with the 'AG' initials on its edge. This is a very rare and expensive variety. Common coins from this year with the 'PL' mark are frequently found, but the 'AG' variant is a real find for a collector.
Despite a small bag mark, the coin holds significant value. An analysis of auction records shows that 1922 'AG' specimens sell for high prices. Such cases prove that even in mixed lots, one can discover true numismatic treasures.