Russia Tin-Alloy Medal (Novodel 18th – 19th century ) – Capture of Shlisselburg, 12 October 1702 – Peter I the Great (1682–1725)

83.26g. 71mm. AU/UNC. Charming lustrous exemplar with perfect relief details and appealing mirror-shine fields. 

Medalier: Unknown. The obverse die was likely engraved by the same medalier who executed the obverse of the medal for the Coronation of Catherine I, 18 May 1724 (Diakov 60.2). 

Diakov 15.5. Ar - R2. Very rare portrait type. 

Tin-lead alloy medals are rarely found in excellent condition, as the metal is prone to oxidation and easily susceptible to mechanical damage. 

Obv.: Laureate bust of Peter I in armor with a sash, facing right. 

Inscription around: 

ПЕТРЪ • I • Б • M • IМПЕРАТОРЪ • IСАМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ • ВСЕРОССИIСКIИ • 

(Peter I, by the grace of God Emperor and Autocrat of All Russia). 

Note: the word ВСЕРОССИIСКIИ is not abbreviated. 

Rev.: View of the siege of the fortress of Shlisselburg on an island, with Russian troops storming the fortifications and artillery firing. 

Inscription around: 

БЫЛЪ • У НЕПРИЯТЕЛЯ • 90 • ЛѣТЪ ВЗЯТЪ • 1702 • ОКТЯБРЯ • 21 • ДНЯ 

(Was in enemy hands for 90 years – Taken on 21 October 1702). 

Note: the actual historical date was 12 October, not 21. 

Below the scene: 

ШЛЮСЕЛБȢРХЪ 

(Shlisselburg). 

This medal commemorates the storming and capture of the Swedish fortress of Shlisselburg (formerly Nöteborg) by Russian forces under Peter the Great during the Great Northern War. The fortress had been under Swedish control for 90 years. 

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.