Russia Bronze (Silvered) Medal 1899 – 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Alexander Pushkin (1799–1837)

149.72g. 67mm. AU/AU. 

Medalier: M. Skudnov (beneath bust on obverse: РѢЗ. СКУДНОВЪ; beneath bench on reverse: ЛѢП. РѢЗ. – СКУДНОВЪ).

Diakov 1289.1. 

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 silvered over existing nicks and scratches. It was also subtly darkened (patinated) to accentuate the finer details of the design. 

Obv.: Laureate bust of Alexander Pushkin facing left.

Inscription around: ПУШКИНЪ 1799–1837

Rev.: A bench bearing a palm and laurel branch, a scroll, books, a lyre, pan flute, a bust of Antinous, a quill and an inkwell. To the left, a burning torch wrapped in a floral garland, with smoke forming a four-line inscription.

Inscription above:

НЕ ДАРОМЪ ЖИЗНЬ | И ЛИРА | МНѢ БЫЛИ ВВѢРЕНЫ | СУДЬБОЙ.

(Not in vain were life and lyre entrusted to me by fate.)

Below the bench: 26 МАЯ 1899. 

This medal commemorates the centenary of the birth of Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin (1799–1837), Russia’s greatest national poet and the founder of modern Russian literature. Widely regarded as a literary genius, Pushkin profoundly influenced Russian language, poetry, and culture. The 100th anniversary of his birth in 1899 was marked throughout the Russian Empire with public celebrations, the erection of monuments, and the issuance of commemorative medals honoring his enduring legacy.