Gold coin struck after the model of the original Russian 10-ruble coin of Catherine II dated 1767. Minted in high-purity gold with precise preservation of proportions and relief of the historical prototype created at the Saint Petersburg Mint during the reign of Catherine the Great.
Obverse: Bust of Catherine II facing right, wearing imperial garments, surrounded by the inscription: “Б.М. ЕКАТЕРИНА. II. ИМП. И САМОД. ВСЕРОС.” Beneath the portrait — initials of the mint master “T.I.” (Timofei Ivanov) and mint mark “СПБ”.
Reverse: Central image of the double-headed imperial eagle holding sceptre and orb, encircled by four shields bearing the arms of Moscow, Kazan, Astrakhan and Siberia. Imperial crown above; around the edge the legend “МОН. ЦЕНА ДЕСЯТ. РУБ.” and the date “1767”.
Hallmarks: (Monnaie de Paris) mark on the edge. PCGS Certificate No. 976663.66 / 55476476, grade MS66.
Dimensions: Diameter 24 mm; thickness 0.2 mm.
Weight: 10.15 g.
Condition: Superb preservation; numismatic state MS66 by PCGS scale – uncirculated strike with bright lustre and minimal mint traces.
Provenance: Monnaie de Paris (MDP), France, 1972.
The 10-ruble gold coin of 1767 is among the most prestigious issues of Catherine II’s reign, a symbol of the might and unity of the Russian Empire in the 18th century. Such coins held not only monetary but also ceremonial significance — presented as awards or diplomatic gifts, embodying imperial power and refinement.
Catherine’s coinage reached exceptional artistic quality, combining elegant portraiture with heraldic complexity. The arms of the Russian realms reinforced the idea of imperial cohesion, while the Empress’s profile embodied enlightened authority.
In 1972, Monnaie de Paris produced a limited series of high-quality reproductions of 18th-century masterpieces, including this celebrated ten-ruble coin. Executed with museum-level precision, it stands as a tribute to the legacy of European and Russian minting traditions.
Coin in outstanding condition MS66 (PCGS). No circulation marks, brilliant mint lustre, only microscopic contact traces. PCGS holder intact, label and hologram fully preserved.
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.
