An outstanding monument of Russian coronation numismatics - the gold medal “In Commemoration of the Coronation of Emperor Paul I”, struck from the original dies of the Saint Petersburg Mint. The present specimen belongs to the category of official novodel restrikes of the nineteenth century, produced by the Mint from authentic or carefully restored eighteenth century dies and intended for imperial collections and the most distinguished cabinets of collectors.
The obverse bears the right facing bust of Emperor Paul I (1796 - 1801) in uniform with the sash of the Order of Saint Andrew the First Called and the badge of the Order of Saint Anne. The surrounding legend reads: “By the Grace of God Paul I Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias.” Beneath the truncation of the bust appears the signature “S.M.E.” identifying the medallist Karl Ivanovich Meisner (1774 - 1815), a pupil of Karl Leberecht and one of the leading masters of the Saint Petersburg medallic school of the late eighteenth century. The portrait is distinguished by refined plastic modelling and the academic severity characteristic of the official coronation series of 1797.
The reverse is austere and conceptually powerful, displaying at its centre a large equal armed cross with fine linear hatching and a concentric square within the central field. This iconographic device reflects the religious and chivalric programme of Paul I and relates directly to his role as Grand Master of the Order of Malta. The restrained composition of the reverse underscores the idea of the sacred legitimisation of monarchical authority.
The present example is encapsulated by PCGS and graded SP62, confirming its status as a Specimen strike and its high level of preservation. According to the standard references Diakov 243 and Bitkin M226, this type ranks among the key masterpieces of the medallic art of the reign of Paul I and holds particular significance for advanced collections of Russian coronation medals.
Hallmarks: Medallist’s signature “S.M.E.” beneath the bust; Latin form Carl Meisner Fecit.
Dimensions: Diameter 3.8 cm.
Weight: 21.5 g. Gold, 18 carat.
Condition: Good. Sharp relief with minor contact marks and light hairlines; characteristic die defects present. Certified PCGS SP62.
Provenance: European private collection.
The coronation of Paul I took place on 5 April 1797 in Moscow and represented the culmination of a carefully structured ceremonial reform aimed at restoring strict dynastic succession and reinforcing the sacred nature of autocratic power. In the same year Paul promulgated the Act of Succession of 1797, establishing male primogeniture and strengthening the concept of lawful and divinely sanctioned sovereignty.
The coronation medal of 1797 occupies a special place within the history of Russian eighteenth century numismatics. In contrast to the elaborate Baroque compositions of earlier decades, the medallic programme of Paul I demonstrates a restrained Neoclassical language and concentrated symbolic clarity. The central cross on the reverse is interpreted as an emblem of the monarch’s spiritual mission and his association with the Order of Malta, of which he became Grand Master in 1798.
Official novodel restrikes of the nineteenth century constitute a distinct and highly respected collecting category. They were produced by the Saint Petersburg Mint for museum institutions, academic collections and eminent connoisseurs, using original dies and ensuring complete fidelity of iconography together with exceptional quality of strike. On the international market for Russian Imperial medals, such examples command sustained interest due to their historical authenticity, institutional status and limited availability.
The surfaces display minor handling marks and light hairlines. The relief remains sharp and well defined; die characteristics are consistent with this issue. Overall preservation fully corresponds to the PCGS grade of SP62.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
