Russia Bronze Medal 1771 - In honor of Count Grigory Grigorievich Orlov, for the deliverance of Moscow from the plague

298.18g. 93mm. AU/AU. This large bronze medal is preserved in a high state of preservation with crisp details. 

St. Petersburg mint. 

Medaliers: I. G. Wæchter, G. C. Wæchter (G. C. Wæchter under bust on obverse; I.G.W.F - initials on reverse). 

Diakov: 155.1 R1. Rare. 

Obv.: Bust of Count Grigory Grigorievich Orlov to the left, wearing a wig and robe, with an order on his chest. Below the sleeve hem, the signature: 

Legend: 

ГРАФЪ ГРИГОРÏЙ ГРИГОРÏЕВИЧЪ ОРЛОВЪ РИМСКÏЯ ИМПЕРÏИ КНЯЗЬ • 

(Count Grigory Grigorievich Orlov, Prince of the Roman Empire). 

Rev.: Count G. G. Orlov depicted in antique attire on a galloping horse; view of the Moscow Kremlin in the background. 

Legend: 

РОССÏЯ ТАКОВЫХЪ СЫНОВЪ ВЪ СЕБѢ ИМѢЕТЪ 

(Russia has such sons within herself). 

Inscription below: 

ЗА ИЗБАВЛЕНÏЕ МОСКВЫ ОТЪ | ЯЗВЫ ВЪ 1771 • ГОДУ • 

(For the deliverance of Moscow from the plague in the year 1771). 

In 1771, Moscow was struck by a devastating outbreak of bubonic plague, leading to mass unrest and the collapse of public order. Count Grigory Grigorievich Orlov was sent by Empress Catherine II with extraordinary powers to suppress the unrest and organize effective anti-plague measures. Through decisive administrative actions, enforcement of quarantine, and restoration of order, Orlov played a central role in stopping the epidemic. This medal was issued by order of the state to commemorate his service and to publicly recognize his contribution to saving Moscow during one of the most severe public health crises of 18th-century Russia.