Imperial Russian 5 Rouble Gold Nicholas II Coin in Scalloped Bezel Pendant
Coin Pendant / Religious or Decorative Medal · Yellow Gold; the coin exhibits the characteristic high-copper-alloy warmth typical of late 19th-century Russian coinage
Purity: Coin: 21.6K (90% pure gold); Bezel: Estimated 14K-18K or gold-plated base metal based on visible surface oxidation
Type
Coin Pendant / Religious or Decorative Medal
Purity
Coin: 21.6K (90% pure gold); Bezel: Estimated 14K-18K or gold-plated base metal based on visible surface oxidation
Gold Type
Yellow Gold; the coin exhibits the characteristic high-copper-alloy warmth typical of late 19th-century Russian coinage
Weight
Coin: 4.30 grams (standard minted weight); Total assembly: Estimated 6.5 - 8.0 grams
Description
A historic Imperial Russian 5 Rouble gold coin featuring the profile of Tsar Nicholas II, captured within a decorative wire-scalloped 'sunburst' bezel. This piece transforms a piece of monetary history into a wearable talisman, balancing the sharp, minted lines of the Romanov dynasty with a delicate, artisanal frame.
Key Features
Portrait of the last Tsar of Russia; high-purity gold content; characteristic 90% gold / 10% copper alloy color; 12-prong secure coin mounting
Color & Finish
Deep, rich orange-toned yellow gold for the coin; the bezel shows a duller, more aged patina with visible verdigris/darker toning in the crevices
Hallmarks & Stamps
Coin features Cyrillic inscription 'Б.М. НИКОЛАЙ II ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС.' (By the Grace of God, Nicholas II, Emperor and Autocrat of All Russias); Bezel hallmarks not visible in image but typically found on the bail or jump ring
Dimensions Estimate
Coin diameter: 18.5 mm; Total pendant diameter with bezel: Approx. 25-28 mm; Standard 5 Rouble sizing
Gemstones & Inlays
None; utilitarian/decorative prong-set scalloped wire-work frame
Clasp & Closure
Integrated jump ring attached to the wire-work frame for suspension on a chain; visible small broken link at the bottom suggests it may have had decorative dangles
Chain & Links
The bezel utilizes a 'scalloped' or 'loop-wire' link construction, appearing to be hand-bent and soldered to the inner coin retaining rim
Craftsmanship Details
The coin is die-struck; the bezel is hand-assembled using wire-bending and soldering techniques; prongs are hand-pressed to secure the coin rim without damaging the edge
Authentication Indicators
The bust profile and Cyrillic lettering alignment match genuine St. Petersburg minting; the color of the coin is consistent with 21.6K gold; the frame shows more 'brassy' wear suggesting a lower karat or different alloy than the coin
Origin & Maker
Coin: Imperial Russian Mint (St. Petersburg); Frame: Likely European or Levantine bench-made jewelry workshop
Era & Period
Late Imperial Russian (Coin: 1897-1911); Frame style: Mid-20th Century Folk or European Revival
Age Estimate
Coin is circa 1897-1911; Jewelry mounting likely 1950s-1970s based on the wire-work style and wear
Cultural Significance
Represents the height and eventual fall of the Russian Empire; widely popular in Eastern European and Middle Eastern cultures as ‘status’ jewelry and a portable store of wealth
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; the coin shows significant surface wear (circulated) and possible cleaning or polishing; the bezel shows oxidation and a missing dangle/link at the 4 o'clock position
Value Estimate
Primarily based on gold melt value (approx. $280-$320 for the gold content) plus a 15-20% premium for the historical context, totaling approx. $350-$450 USD
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a very soft cloth and mild soap; avoid harsh chemical dips as the bezel and coin may react differently; do not use ultrasonic cleaners if the bezel metal is unknown or fragile
Similar Items
Gold Sovereign pendants, Swiss Vreneli coin jewelry, or French 20 Franc gold pendants
Interesting Facts
Nicolas II's gold roubles were among the last minted before the 1917 Russian Revolution; these coins were often 'hoarded' during the Soviet era and later converted into jewelry to hide their value while keeping it portable