A Russian gem proof 1908 25 rouble coin realised $329,000 at Stack's Bowers on August 12.
That's an increase of 119.3% on its estimate of $150,000.
 The 1908 Russian 25 rouble was produced in a run of 150 |
Only 150 such coins are believed to have been struck, in order to celebrate Tsar Nicholas II's 40th birthday.
The Russian establishment was still reeling from the dual blows of losing the Russo-Japanese war in 1905 and the revolution of 1905, which was only put down in 1907.
The auction house comments: "At the time this coin was struck, all of the pomp and royal privilege of the Tsarist autocracy was still intact, at least in as far as coinage was concerned.
"The piece offered here is the single finest graded example at PCGS and NGC, and one of only four submissions for the date.
"While earlier (1896) dated pieces struck for Nicholas' coronation also exist, they are not as highly coveted as the 1908 dated coins."
Other highlights include a 10 ryo gold Japanese presentation Oban, minted circa 1860-1862.
It realised $37,600.
The coins were produced in a run of just over 17,000 in Edo (modern day Tokyo). They were created for the Shogun and other high ranking elites and were minted on the first day of each new year.
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