Russia Bronze (Silvered) Medal 1855 – Centennial of Moscow University – Nicholas I (1825–1855)

197.65g. 79mm. XF/XF. 

Medaliers: V. Alekseev (on obverse, В . АЛЕКСЕЕВЪ Р . at shoulder of Shuvalov); M. Kuchkin (on reverse, РѢЗ М . КУЧКИНЪ . below).

Diakov 614.1.

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 lightly etched prior to silvering, resulting in a slight softening of the relief and was silvered over existing nicks, scratches or areas of corrosion. It was also subtly darkened (patinated) to accentuate the finer details of the design. 

Obv.: Empress Elizabeth I, wearing a small crown, the sash and star of the Order of St. Andrew, receives a charter in the form of a book from Mikhail Lomonosov, in academic uniform, and Count Ivan Shuvalov, in armor with the sash and star of the Order of St. Andrew; engraver’s signatures at the shoulder of each figure.

Inscription around:

Б . М . ЕЛИСАВЕТА I ИМПЕРАТР . И САМОДЕРЖ . ВСЕРОСС .

(By the Grace of God Elizabeth I, Empress and Autocrat of All Russia)

At left:

А . ЛЯЛИНЪ СОЧ .

(Composed by A. Lyalin)

At right:

В . АЛЕКСЕЕВЪ Р .

(Engraved by V. Alekseev)

Rev.: Imperial Russian coat of arms with the date beneath its talons; engraver’s signature below.

In field:

18 – 55

Below:

РѢЗ М . КУЧКИНЪ .

(Engraved by M. Kuchkin)

This medal commemorates the 100th anniversary of the founding of Moscow University in 1755, established by decree of Empress Elizabeth I upon the initiative of Count Ivan Shuvalov and Mikhail Lomonosov. The university became a cornerstone of Russian higher education and Enlightenment thought. The medal's obverse dramatizes this foundational moment, while the reverse bears the imperial emblem and the centenary date.