News from Spink

A Gold Medal Of The Moscow Triumphal Arch 1838

September 27th 2007
Spink's Auction during Coinex Week

Included in the Collection of Russian Imperial Gold Medals consigned to Spink’s 27 September auction is one of the most spectacular gold medals of the entire series, the rectangular gold medal commemorating the opening of the Moscow Triumphal Arch in St. Petersburg (Moskovskiye Triumfalnye vorota).

The Moscow Triumphal Arch was erected to commemorate the Russian military victories won during the wars with Persia, Turkey and Poland, 1826-1828. The massive cast iron gateway, situated on the Moscow Highway (today called Avenue Moscow) was designed by the Russian classical architect Vasily Petrovich Stasov (1769-1848). Modeled on the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the scale of the Arch is typical of Stasov’s very grand style. The six pairs of monumental columns support a massive entablature which is decorated with winged figures symbolizing Victory. The elaborate trophies at each corner break the otherwise plain silhouette. All these architectural details, cast in iron on the Gateway, are clearly visible on the medal.

Also visible, on either side of the Arch, are two guard houses. At the time these stretched across the road, making the Arch also the main gateway into the city of St. Petersburg. These guard houses no longer exist.

Through the central arch can be seen the tall spire of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul which for many years served as the city’s main church and was also, until 1917, the Mausoleum of the Romanov dynasty.

Tiny figures can be seen on parade in the central arch. This is a depiction of the ceremony of the changing of the guard, a reminder that the Arch was part of the military defenses of the city. The Fortress of Saints Peter and Paul was never directly attacked, but it housed the city garrison. The Arch was dismantled during the Second World War, and during the heroic defence of the city in 1941, the cast iron blocks of the Arch were used to form anti-tank defences for the southern approaches to the city.

Under the arch to the left of the guardsmen can be seen two civilians walking hand in hand, while through the arch to the right a mother leads her small child down the long tree lined avenue. These small touches add a human dimension to this beautifully conceived architectural medal.

The reverse of the medal shows in detail two of the large cast iron trophies that adorn the upper corners of the Arch. Between them is the legend in Russian, ‘To the Victorious Russian Army in Commemoration of Heroic Achievements in Persia, Turkey and during the Suppression of Poland during the years 1826, 1827, 1828, 1829, 1830 and 1831.’ Below the two trophies are the dates 1834 and 1838, the dates of the commencement and completion of the Arch.

The medal was designed by the German medalist Heinrich Gube, also called Andrei Ignatievich Gouin in Russia. Gube studied in Vienna and worked in Berlin before he was appointed Chief Engraver at the St. Petersburg mint in 1830.

Gold examples of this medal are extremely rare. There are perhaps only one or two outside Museum collections. There was a gold example in the famous collection of Grand Duke George Michailovitch, sold at Christie’s in London 3-4 July 1950 (lot 372). It sold for £180, an extremely high price for any commemorative medal in 1950.

The medal is lot 345 in our sale on 27 September 2007. The estimate is £15,000-25,000.

To view the other Russian Gold Medals in this sale click here.

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Spink is the world’s leading auctioneer of coins, stamps, medals and banknotes.  Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holders of three royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offer an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide.  Spink is headquartered in London and hold over 35 auctions a year around the globe.  In June 2006 Spink shattered the world record for a British Coin sold at auction with the sale of the Double Leopard Gold Coin for a staggering £460,000.

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