Russia Bronze (Silvered) Medal 1912 – Unveiling of the Monument to Alexander III in Moscow – Nicholas II (1894–1917).

203.72g. 78mm. AU/AU. 

Medalier: A. Griliches Jr. (on obverse and reverse, А • Г on the truncation and below). 

Diakov 1528.1. 

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. It was also subtly darkened (patinated) to accentuate the finer details of the design. 

Obv.: Left-facing bust of Emperor Alexander III; around the bust, circular inscription with dates of birth and death; engraver’s initials on the truncation of the neck. 

Inscription around: 

АЛЕКСАНДРЪ III ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОССIЙСКIЙ | РОДИЛСЯ 26 ФЕВРАЛЯ 1845 ГОДА ВЪ БОЗѢ ПОЧИЛЪ 20 ОКТ . 1894 ГОДА 

(Alexander III Emperor and Autocrat of All Russia | Born 26 February 1845 – Reposed in God 20 October 1894) 

Rev.: Seated bronze statue of Alexander III in coronation mantle, holding scepter and orb, atop a stepped granite pedestal adorned with imperial double-headed eagles on each corner; engraver’s initials at the bottom. 

Inscription around: 

СООРУЖЕНЪ ЛЮБОВЬЮ НАРОДА ИМПЕРАТОРОМЪ НИКОЛАЕМЪ II | ВЪ МОСКВѢ ОТКРЫТЬ ВЪ 1912 Г . 

(Erected by the love of the people by Emperor Nicholas II | Unveiled in Moscow in 1912) 

Emperor Alexander III (1845–1894) ruled Russia from 1881 until his death in 1894. Known for his conservative domestic policies and efforts to strengthen autocracy, he promoted industrial development and opposed liberal reforms. Under his reign, Russia experienced internal stability and avoided involvement in major military conflicts, earning him the title "Peacemaker." 

In 1912, a monumental bronze statue of Alexander III seated in coronation regalia was unveiled in Moscow, commissioned by his son, Emperor Nicholas II. The monument stood on a high granite pedestal, decorated with imperial symbols and bronze double-headed eagles. 

After the 1917 revolution, the statue was dismantled by the Soviet authorities. It was eventually destroyed, and the pedestal was also removed. The destruction of the monument symbolized the regime's break with the imperial past.