$241,000 Russian 1876 proof top performs at Spink's rare coin auction

A 19^th century Russian gold coin stole the show at Spink's Ancient, British & Foreign Coins & Commemorative Medals sale earlier this week.

While a 17^th century Charles I civil war issue Triple Unite coin made a hefty £43,000 for the home nation at the London auction, it was a Russian 25 rouble 1876 proof from the reign of Alexander II that took the top prize.

 The crowned double headed eagle, which features a crown and ribbons on the reverse, achieved above its high end estimate of £150,000.

This Russian rarity is worth £156,000

The coin is one of only 100 struck and is said to be in extremely fine condition, with only a mark by the right wing of the eagle.

Carrying on the Russian theme was a novodel commemorative one and a half rouble coin from 1836, which achieved £43,200.

These results are a reminder that numismatists should perhaps be looking east for their next investment, as the Russian coin market shows no sign of slowing down, especially for the very best specimens.