Gold, vineyards and a visible history of storage — a big medal “For Distinction” of 1887 at Violity (Photo)

The big gold medal “For Distinction”, the state award of the Russian Empire in 1887, was sold at Violity for 130 thousand UAH. She was awarded by outstanding representatives of creative professions — singers, actors, as well as persons who showed special differences before the state.

The condition of the lot “Big Gold Medal For the difference 1887, Alexander 3. Gold 900 assay”, the seller described as good. There was only one noticeable “Lombard” scratch and small marks on the “mirror field”. The last two digits of the year of manufacture are embossed with a punch, in the lower part of the reverse there are the initials of the engraver “K.VA.”

It was noted that the weight of a gold medal of 900 samples was 74.7 g and a diameter of 5 cm. It had an expert opinion and a visible history of storage in the collection for more than 20 years. Probably, at one time she was awarded a pupil of one of the institutes of the empire.

It is known that the “For Distinction” medals were established by Alexander I in February 1816. And for all the time their coinage awarding them were single. During the reign of Alexander III, they were also issued extremely rarely, and in May 1882, one of such insignia was transferred from the cabinet of His Imperial Majesty to a jeweler for diamond jewelry.

Such insignia were minted at the St. Petersburg Mint. On the front side was a portrait of Emperor Alexander III and along the edge around the circumference the inscription: “B.M. ALEKSANDR III EMPEROR AND SAMODERZH. ALLEROSS.”. On the back there is an image of vineyards with the inscription “VISIT VINEGRADAR SEY” on top and two lines “FOR EXCELLENCE 1887” below.

Vineyards for reverse medals were not chosen by chance. Grape berries symbolize grains of knowledge that a person gradually masters during his life. He absorbs them, learning one or another aspect of the whole through various experiences and situations in which he finds himself.

Recently at Violity in the section “Faleristics” they sold an equally interesting lot — a gold medal “For good behavior and success in science”. For the insignia paid 52 600 UAH. Such medals were awarded to students of female gymnasiums under the Ministry of Education.

Photo © auction.violity.com

Gold, vineyards and a visible history of storage — a big medal “For Distinction” of 1887 at Violity (Photo)

Similar news