Aleksei Mikhailovich copper Novodel Kopeck or Grosh (2 Kopecks) ND AU55 Brown NGC, Moscow mint, cf. Spassky-pg. 130, Figs 5-6 (for originals), Kaim-1655 (same), Petrov-Plate 10, 156-158. 13mm. An intriguing and highly perplexing Novodel type, which by all indications seems to be very poorly documented. Spassky records that, as part of Alexei's monetary reform of 1654 that introduced the Yefimok Rouble, "round copper coins of smaller denominations were also struck, up to the altyn (3 kopecks) and the grosh (2 kopecks)." Kaim notes that such pieces were produced as a consequence of Alexei's wars with Johann Casimir. Though its status as a Novodel makes exact comparisons with the crude copper "wire" Kopecks of the period impossible, the present coin is much smaller than the diameter provided for the Grosh by Kaim (15-17mm), and while the portion of the legend containing "Mikhailovich" is largely visible, the reverse inscription ends quite differently from what is recorded in his book (cf. Kaim-1650). Petrov illustrates several very round pieces of similar size and design in his plates (perhaps a consequence of them being line drawings) which he calls copper "Poltina," interestingly the only denomination of this series which Spassky notes "have been preserved."

HID09801242017

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