Obverse. Photo © RARITETUS.ru
  • 1/2 Kopeck 1894-1916, Y# 48, Russia, Empire, Nicholas II
  • 1/2 Kopeck 1894-1916, Y# 48, Russia, Empire, Nicholas II, Mint mark: С.П.Б. (Saint Petersburg Mint)
  • 1/2 Kopeck 1894-1916, Y# 48, Russia, Empire, Nicholas II, No mint mark (Petrograd Mint)
  • 1/2 Kopeck 1894-1916, Y# 48, Russia, Empire, Nicholas II, Monogram with three curls
  • 1/2 Kopeck 1894-1916, Y# 48, Russia, Empire, Nicholas II, Edge
Description

Nicholas II (1868-1918) was the last Emperor of Russia, Grand Duke of Finland, and titular King of Poland. Nicholas II ruled from 1894 until his forced abdication in 1917. His reign saw Imperial Russia go from being one of the foremost great powers of the world to economic and military collapse. Under his rule, Russia was decisively defeated in the Russo-Japanese War. The Anglo-Russian Entente, designed to counter German attempts to gain influence in the Middle East, ended the Great Game between Russia and the United Kingdom. As head of state, Nicholas approved the Russian mobilization of August 1914, which marked the beginning of Russia's involvement in the First World War, a war in which 3.3 million Russians were killed. Nicholas II abdicated following the February Revolution of 1917 during which he and his family were imprisoned and executed in 1918.

Obverse

Displays the monogram of Nicholas II with a laurel branch on the left and an oak branch on the right. The Imperial Crown of Russia with two ends of flying ribbon of the Order of St. Andrew is above.

The Imperial Crown of Russia, also known as the Great Imperial Crown, was used by the Emperors of Russia until the monarchy's abolition in 1917. The Great Imperial Crown was first used in a coronation by Catherine II, and was last used at the coronation of Nicholas II. It survived the subsequent revolution and a temporary sojourn in Ireland, and is currently on display in the Moscow Kremlin Armoury State Diamond Fund.

Order of St. Andrew was established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great, in honour of Saint Andrew, the first apostle of Jesus and patron saint of Russia.

Н
II

Reverse

Value flanked by stars and date. Mint mark of Saint Petersburg Mint: С.П.Б.

★ 1/2 ★
КОПѢЙКИ
1897
С.П.Б.

Edge
Characteristics
Material Copper
Weight 1.64 g
Diameter 16 mm
Thickness 1 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Alt # Y# 48.1, Y# 48.2
Mints
Petrograd Mint
Saint Petersburg Mint (SPMD)

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Copper, 1.64 g, ⌀ 16 mm