Alexander III Memorial Ruble
Country of Origin: Russian Empire
Year of Issue: 1912
Denomination: 1 Ruble
Composition: Silver (.900 fineness)
Brief Description
A commemorative silver ruble featuring the portrait of Tsar Alexander III and the memorial monument dedicated to him in Moscow.
Historical Significance
Issued under Tsar Nicholas II to commemorate the dedication of the monument to his father, Alexander III, near the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow. The monument was later destroyed by the Bolsheviks in 1918.
Estimated Value
$500 - $1,500 in circulated condition, $3,000 - $7,000+ in Mint State (extreme caution required as fakes are very common)
Care Instructions
Store in a PVC-free holder. Do not clean or polish, as this destroys numismatic value. Handle only by the edges.
Mint Mark
None (St. Petersburg Mint). Edge contains initials of the mintmaster 'ЭБ' (Elikum Babayants).
Mintage & Rarity
5,000 specimens minted; considered very rare and highly sought after.
Weight & Diameter
20.00 grams, 33.6 mm
Edge
Lettered (Cyrillic inscription)
Apparent Grade
Appears Extremely Fine (XF) to About Uncirculated (AU) details, though the surface texture and 'mushy' details suggest this specific item is likely a modern high-quality counterfeit.
Obverse (Front)
Left-facing portrait of Tsar Alexander III. Cyrillic legend translated as: 'Alexander III Emperor and Autocrat of All Russias', with dates of birth (Feb 26, 1845) and death (Oct 20, 1894).
Reverse (Back)
An image of the Alexander III monument in Moscow. Cyrillic text translated as: 'Erected by the love of the people in Moscow' and 'Dedicated by Emperor Nicholas II in 1912'. Denomination 'РУБЛЬ' (Ruble) at the bottom.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition, authenticity, and surface luster. Because of its rarity, professional grading (NGC/PCGS) is essential for value.
Similar Coins
Standard circulation rubles of Alexander III or Nicholas II; however, the specific monument reverse is unique to this commemorative.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Weight should be exactly 20.0g. Common fakes are magnetic or have casting bubbles. Look for sharp, crisp details in the beard and the monument's base; mushy details are a red flag for replicas.
Notable Varieties & Errors
None widely recognized, though minor die variations exist due to the small production run.
Created At: 2026-05-05T18:37:51.401359