1899 Russian Bronze Medal – 100th Anniversary of Pushkin’s Birth

This exquisite 1899 Russian bronze medal, measuring 67.3 mm in diameter and weighing 143.2 g, was struck to commemorate the centennial of Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin’s birth. Cataloged as Diakov #1289.1 and Smirnov #11591, the medal also served as a prize for the Imperial Academy of Sciences. Designed by Skudnov, the obverse features a striking portrait of Pushkin facing left. The reverse displays the poignant inscription: “не даромъ жизнь и лира Мне были вверены судьбой” (“It was not for nothing that both lyre and life were entrusted unto me through destiny”), accompanied by a richly detailed composition of literary and artistic symbols, including a scroll, quill, lyre, and garlanded altar.

The medal’s warm brown patina adds to its historical charm. Similar examples have fetched significant prices, with one achieving $900 at the New York Sale in January 2014. Pushkin, widely regarded as the father of modern Russian literature, was a prolific poet, novelist, and playwright. Tragically, his life was cut short at the age of 37 in a duel with Baron Georges-Charles de He