Russia Bronze (Silvered) Medal 1905 – 50th Anniversary of the Defense of Sevastopol – Nicholas II (1894–1917)

128.13g. 64mm. VF/XF. 

Medalier: Evgeny Malyshev (with initials Е. М. К. on obverse; original design by A. A. Griliches Sr., А. А. Г.). 

Diakov 1404.1 Ae - R2. 

Very rare. 

The medal was silvered to enhance its appearance — a common historical practice intended to improve visual qualities by applying a silver or gold coating. In this case, the surface was silvered over existing nicks, scratches and areas of corrosion. It was also subtly darkened (patinated) to accentuate the finer details of the design. 

Obv.: Memorial composition with circular shield at top bearing the monogram of Emperors Alexander III and Nicholas II under the Imperial crown. Below are medallions with the busts of Emperors Nicholas I and Alexander II, and at the bottom, the Sevastopol Cross.

Along the edge: 

1854–1855 1902–1905 

Flanked by a large oak branch. 

Rev.: At bottom, a detailed map of the Sevastopol military theater. Above it, a radiant All-Seeing Eye shines upon a double-headed Imperial eagle hovering on a cloud, holding a laurel wreath in its talons. 

Inscription at right: 

НА ТѦ ОУПОВАША | ОТЦЫ НАШИ | ОУПОВАША, И | ИЗБАВИЛЪ ЕСИ Ѧ : 

(Our fathers trusted in You; they trusted, and You delivered them. — Psalm 21:5 Church Slavonic). 

Struck in 1905 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the heroic defense of Sevastopol during the Crimean War (1854–1855), this medal pays tribute to Russia’s enduring military valor. The complex iconography symbolically links four emperors and two key military periods in national history.