The 1896 Russia 1 Rouble Coronation Silver Coin, certified AU Details by NGC, commemorates one of the last grand imperial ceremonies in Russian history—the coronation of Nicholas II, held in May 1896 at the Kremlin in Moscow. Minted to mark this pivotal event, the coin is both a symbol of imperial splendor and a sobering prelude to the eventual fall of the Russian monarchy just two decades later.

Historical Significance

Nicholas II was crowned Emperor of All the Russias on May 14, 1896, following the death of his father, Alexander III. Though grand in spectacle, the coronation was marred by the Khodynka Tragedy, where a mass stampede left over 1,300 dead. The coronation coin, however, remains a lasting emblem of the young emperor’s rise to power and the twilight of Romanov rule.

The coin served as both a commemorative and circulation issue, distributed during the coronation festivities and widely used afterward.

Design & Specifications

• Obverse:

  • Portrait of Nicholas II in military uniform, facing left, styled with sharp realism.

  • Cyrillic legend reads:
    "Б.М. НИКОЛАЙ II ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС."
    (By the Grace of God, Nicholas II, Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias)

• Reverse:

  • Russian imperial double-headed eagle bearing the Romanov coat of arms.

  • Denomination and date below: "РУБЛЬ 1896 Г."

  • Mintmark: АГ (St. Petersburg Mint)

• Specifications:

  • Metal: .900 fine silver

  • Weight: 20 grams

  • Diameter: 33.65 mm

  • Edge: Lettered

  • Catalog Reference: Bitkin #86, Y#59

About the Grade – NGC AU Details

The coin is graded AU Details, which signifies that it has About Uncirculated sharpness, but has been noted for a surface issue—typically cleaning, old mounting, or light abrasions.

Even with the details designation, AU coins retain:

• Sharp hairlines and facial detail

• Strong strike and edge integrity

• Near-complete original relief

This makes it a highly presentable and affordable option for collectors who want historical value and visual appeal without the premium of full numeric AU or Mint State examples.

Numismatic Highlights

1. Coronation Commemorative:

   • Issued to celebrate one of the most important state ceremonies of Imperial Russia.

2. Romanov Legacy:

   • A historic artifact from the reign of Russia’s last tsar, whose rule ended in revolution.

3. Imperial Artistry:

   • High-relief engraving and precision typical of St. Petersburg Mint’s finest 19th-century work.

4. Silver Intrinsic Value:

   • Contains nearly 2/3 of an ounce of silver (0.579 oz actual silver weight)

5. Desirable Type Coin:

   • Popular among collectors of Russian commemoratives, tsarist silver, and world historical issues

Ideal For Collectors Of:

• Imperial Russian Coinage

• Nicholas II and Romanov Dynasty Memorabilia

• Silver Commemorative Issues

• Pre-WWI European Monetary History

• Russian Coronation Coins and Medals

Storage & Display Tips

To preserve your 1896 Coronation Rouble:

• Keep in its NGC slab to ensure long-term authentication and protection

• Avoid exposure to air and humidity—store in a temperature-stable, dry environment

• Consider displaying in a UV-filtered glass case to prevent further toning or surface wear

Conclusion

The 1896 Russia 1 Rouble Nicholas II Coronation Coin, graded NGC AU Details, is a remarkable piece of numismatic and imperial history. While noted for past handling or cleaning, its bold strike, royal significance, and silver content ensure it remains a highly collectible artifact.

For collectors of Romanov Russia, this coin offers a direct connection to the opulence and tragedy of Nicholas II’s reign—the final chapter of the Russian Empire.

Information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only. For specific financial advice, please consult your financial adviser.