As we've reported, Kuenker's upcoming sale of Russian coins will have many investment-grade pieces on offer.

The lot leading the current auction bridges the gap between coins and medals, as it is a commemorative coin which marks the centenary of one of Russia's rarest medals. It is expected to sell for up to €100,000.

Another key coin in the sale is an exceptional Nicholas II gold coin, of which only 225 copies are known.

Nicholas II Alexandrovich initially continued the autocratic rule of his father Alexander III until he was forced in the 1905 Revolution, which erupted during the Russo-Japanese War, to radical reforms.

He granted his people fundamental human rights, universal suffrage and called a legislative parliament (Duma). In foreign policy he aimed at the preservation of Russian influence in the Balkans, and didn't hesitate before entering into the First World War, personally taking over the command.

In 1917, the Tsar was forced to abdicate and escape with his family. They were tracked down and murdered by the Red Army.

Nicholas II gold coin

The coin in this auction is one of the best known and most sought-after Russian coins. The coin bears the standard of the so-called Latin Monetary Union. This currency union with the French franc as the foundation was the initiative of Napoleon III, created in 1865 by France, Belgium, Italy and Switzerland (with the accession of Greece in 1868).

The golden 20-franc piece and the silver 5-franc pieces were valid in all 5 states. The largest face of the Monetary Union was the 100-franc piece, which was struck in France in large quantities.

In 1902 Nicholas II also minted a similiarly prestigious gold coin to 100 Swiss francs, or 37½ rubles shape, which was distributed to dignitaries.

The coin appears here with an €80,000 ($107,000) estimate, and again will sell on January 27 in Berlin and online.