Russia Bronze (Silvered) Medal 1770 – Victories over Turkey – Catherine II (1762–1796).

29.14g. 45mm. AU/XF. Prooflike. Edge marks.

Medalier: Johann Christian Exlein (on obverse, ŒXELEIN below the bust).

Diakov 149.1. Ae - R2. 

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 formation of small caverns beneath the silver layer. It was also subtly darkened (patinated) to accentuate the finer details of the design. 

Obv.: Right-facing bust of Empress Catherine II wearing a crown and mantle; engraver’s signature beneath the truncation.

Inscription around:

CATHARINA II • D • G • IMP • AVTOCRATRIX RVSSORVM •

(Catherine II, by the Grace of God, Empress and Autocrat of All the Russias)

Rev.: Pallas Athena standing, holding a spear and shield; continuation of the legend in three lines below the exergue.

Inscription around:

SAPIENTIA ЕТ ARMIS .

(By wisdom and arms)

In exergue:

TVRCIS TERRA MARIQVE | DEVICTIS • | MDCCLXX •

(The Turks defeated on land and sea, 1770)

The medal commemorates Russia’s victories over the Ottoman Empire in 1770 during the Russo-Turkish War (1768–1774), notably the Battle of Chesme and campaigns in the Balkans. These triumphs marked a turning point in Catherine II’s expansionist policy, asserting Russia’s dominance in the Black Sea region.