The Coinage Of Nicholas I, 1825–1855
The extensive coinage of Nicholas I, who ruled Russia from 1825 to 1855, is among the most interesting in the entire series of imperial numismatics. There is a variety of denominations and designs, enough to keep the most dedicated collector busy for many years.
The future Emperor Nicholas I, the third son of Paul I (1796–1801), was born near St. Petersburg in the summer of 1796. The eldest son (Alexander I) inherited the purple in 1801 when Paul was assassinated by army officers, but no one thought Grand Duke Nicholas would become emperor and so his schooling was primarily designed for a future role in the Russian army.
In late 1825 Alexander I died unexpectedly at Taganrog in the south of Russia. Alexander did not have any surviving male children so the throne passed to the next brother, Grand Duke Constantine, or so everyone assumed. It turned out that Alexander and Constantine had come to a secret agreement, at Constantine’s request, that Nicholas inherit the throne. No one had bothered to tell Nicholas, however.
The announcement of Alexander’s death found Nicholas in St. Petersburg and Constantine in Warsaw as the army commander. Each thought the other was now the ruler and swore fealty. In due course the confusion was straightened out but in the meantime the St. Petersburg Mint produced the famous Constantine ruble and disaffected officers mounted a coup
