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Description:Empress Catherine II(Catherine the Great)Russian copper 5 Kopek9 July 1762-17 November 1797Dated 1772 ~42mmOBV: Imperial crowned double headed eagle with wings spread, banner belowREV: Royal crowned emblem and date 17-72 inside wreath
Diameter measures at approx 42.8mm and is about 4.7mm thick. Coin weighs approx 52.39g and has some sign of wear with minimal mineral deposits present. Edges depict hex like pattern
18th Century Russian Empire, Ekaterinburg Mint
Info:Catherine II of Russia, known as Catherine the Great, ruled the Russian Empire from 1762 to 1796 and became one of the most powerful monarchs of the 18th century. Born Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst in Prussia in 1729, she came to Russia as a young woman to marry the future Emperor Peter III. After a period of political instability, she helped orchestrate a coup that removed Peter III from power and was proclaimed Empress. Her reign marked the height of the Russian Empire’s expansion, influence, and cultural development in Europe.
During her 34-year reign, Catherine expanded Russian territory significantly, gaining lands through wars with the Ottoman Empire and the partitions of Poland. Under her leadership, Russia secured access to the Black Sea, strengthened its position as a European great power, and extended its borders westward and southward. She also promoted reforms inspired by the European Enlightenment, supported education, encouraged the arts and sciences, and corresponded with famous thinkers such as Voltaire. However, her reform efforts were limited by her reliance on the nobility and the continuation of serfdom, which remained a major social issue throughout her reign.
Catherine’s legacy is complex: she is remembered as a patron of culture, a skilled diplomat, and a powerful military ruler who transformed Russia into one of the dominant empires of her era. Her coinage reflects the wealth and confidence of the Russian Empire during her rule, including the large copper 5 Kopek pieces issued from 1763 onward, which are among the most recognizable Russian coins of the 18th century. These massive copper coins, often weighing around 50 grams and measuring over 40 mm, symbolize the strength and ambition of Catherine’s imperial Russia and remain highly collectible today.
Disclaimer:My late father was a deeply passionate numismatic throughout his life. He carefully built and treasured his coin collection over many years, and each piece was an important part of his interests and legacy. While all of his possessions hold great sentimental value to me, I do not share his enthusiasm for coins. After careful consideration, I believe these coins, which carry both historical significance and intrinsic value, would be better appreciated by someone who truly values their worth and beauty, rather than being stored away in my closet for none to see! Each coin listed here is from his private collection.
Although I am not a numismatic expert, my father was, and his expertise guided the careful selection of each coin. Therefore, each coin is assumed authentic based on his knowledge and curation. The coins are sold \"as-is\", in the condition in which they were kept, and the buyer assumes full responsibility for verifying their authenticity. I hope they bring you the same joy they once brought him.
