Russia Tin-Alloy Medal 1710 (Novodel late 18th – 19th century) - In memory of the capture of Arensburg, 15 September 1710 - Peter I the Great (1682–1725)

41.58g. 47mm. XF/AU. 

Medalier: Timofey Ivanov (on obverse, T • I • in the truncation of the bust). 

Diakov 35.6. 

Obv.: Laureate bust of Peter I in armor and cloak, facing right. 

Inscription around: 

PETRVS . ALEXII . FIL . D . G . RVSS . IMP . M . DVX . MOSCOVIÆ 

(Peter, son of Alexis, by the grace of God Russian Emperor and Grand Duke of Moscow). 

Rev.: Fortress of Arensburg under siege, with troops and artillery advancing; smoke rising from the battlements. 

Inscription around: 

OESELIA INSVLA ITA IN FIDEM RECEPTA 

(Thus, the island of Ösel is taken into allegiance). 

Below the truncation: 

ARENSBVRGVM CAPT. / D. XV. SEPT. / S. V. 

(Arensburg captured / on the 15th of September / Old Style).  

This medal commemorates the capture of Arensburg (now Kuressaare) on the island of Ösel (Saaremaa) during the Great Northern War. The successful siege marked a key moment in Russia’s expansion into the Baltic territories under Peter the Great. 

In the Russian Empire, medals struck in tin-lead alloy were produced primarily for collectors and educational institutions for several practical reasons: 

In the Russian Empire, tin-lead alloy medals were primarily produced for collectors and educational use. The soft metal reduced wear on dies, making it ideal for limited or repeat strikes, while also lowering production costs. These medals were well-suited for study collections and displays, and offered collectors a more affordable way to acquire rare types with preserved visual and historical detail.