In August 1907, at the beginning of the construction of a church of the
Imperial Guard’s Horse Regiment in the Big Krasnoselsky Camp near St
Petersburg, 100 gold five-ruble coins were placed inside the church’s
foundation as a token of appreciation for the regiment’s participation
in the Battle of Friedland, a battle between Napoleon I’s and Russian
armies, which took place a century earlier. The ceremony was attended
by Emperor Nicholas II, Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna, and Grand
Duchess Olga Nikolaevna, to whose birthday the church was dedicated.
In 1907, Russia did not mint gold five-ruble coins for circulation. The
remaining nine five-ruble coins—the ones that were not placed in the
foundation—were presented to participants in the ceremony.
Emperor’s bust, facing left.
Circular legend:
Б.М.НИКОЛАЙ II ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС.
(BY THE GRACE OF GOD, NICHOLAS II, EMPEROR AND SOLE RULER
OF ALL RUSSIA)
Pointed rim.
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