Lot #617: Rare Russia 1840 One Kopeck coin - СЕРЕБРОМЪ - Crowned Monogram of Nicholas I ("HI") - Over 185 years old!

The Obverse features the crowned Monogram of Nicholas I, a stylized Cyrillic "H" (for Nikolai) with the Roman numeral "I" nestled at the base of the letter. The Imperial Crown sits prominently above the monogram. The design is simple and regal, reflecting the bureaucratic and military precision of Nicholas I's era. The Reverse contains the denomination 1 КОПѢЙКА (1 Kopeck) followed by the word СЕРЕБРОМЪ (In Silver). Below this text is the date 1840 and the mint mark. A decorative horizontal line often separates the denomination from the date. The 1840 1 Kopeck was issued during the reign of Tsar Nicholas I. This coin is part of a significant monetary reform period overseen by Finance Minister Georg von Cancrin, which returned Russia to a silver-backed standard. These copper coins were known as "Kopecks in Silver" (indicated by the inscription) to signify their fixed exchange value against the silver ruble, distinguishing them from the depreciated paper assignats previously in circulation. The 1840 issue is famous for its weight and substantial copper content compared to later, lighter issues. Because these were "heavy" coppers, they were often subject to heavy circulation and environmental corrosion, such as this example of the coin. Dimensions: Copper. 24.0 mm. 10.2 g. Pickup category timeslot {A}