Russia Silver Small Graduate Medal ND (middle of 19th century) - Women’s Gymnasiums Award - Alexander II (1855-1881)

34.60g. 38mm. XF/AU. Old patna with some marks on the obverse and edge. 

St. Petersburg mint. 

Medalier: P. Brusnitsyn (П.БРУСНИЦЫНЪ Р below truncation). 

Diakov 670.2 (Ar - R1). 

Scarce variety featuring the full surname of the medalier. 

Obv.: Bust of Empress Maria Alexandrovna right within circular legend. 

Inscription around: 

ГОСУДАРЫНЯ ИМПЕРАТРИЦА МАРIЯ АЛЕКСАНДРОВНА 

(Empress Maria Alexandrovna). 

Rev.: Six-line inscription within wreath of roses and grape clusters, with radiating rays above. 

Inscription in the center: 

ДОСТОЙНѢЙШИМЪ / ИЗЪ / ОКОНЧИВШИХЪ КУРСЪ / ВЪ / ЖЕНСКИХЪ / ГИМНА3IЯХЪ 

(To the most deserving among those who have completed the course in women’s gymnasiums). 

During the reign of Alexander II, state policy toward female education underwent a significant transformation. The network of women’s gymnasiums, formally regulated by the 1858-1870 educational statutes, was designed to provide structured secondary education for girls in the Russian Empire, combining general academic subjects with moral and domestic instruction. These institutions gradually expanded in both number and scope, forming a key element of the emerging system of public female education. Medals such as this one, awarded to the best graduates, symbolized governmental approval and encouraged academic achievement. The image of Empress Maria Alexandrovna, who actively supported charitable and educational initiatives, underscored the role of the imperial family in promoting women’s schooling and the broader modernization efforts of the era.