Russia Bronze (Silvered) Medal 1909 – 200th Anniversary of the Victory at Poltava – Nicholas II (1894–1917)

205.29g. 77mm. VF/XF. 

Medalier: Anton Vasyutinsky (on reverse, А. ВАСЮТИНСКІЙ).

Diakov 1467.1. 

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.: Left-facing bust of Emperor Peter I crowned with a laurel wreath. Inscriptions along the left and right margins.

Inscription:

ИМПЕРАТОРЪ ПЕТРЪ — I — .

(Emperor Peter I.)

Rev.: Panorama of the Battle of Poltava. Emperor Peter I on horseback salutes his infantry in the foreground; around him are fallen soldiers and captured trophies.

Inscription around:

А О ПЕТРѢ ВѢДАЙТЕ, ЧТО ЖИЗНЬ ЕМУ НЕ ДОРОГА, ЖИЛА БЫ ТОЛЬКО РОССІЯ

(Know this about Peter: life is nothing to him, as long as Russia lives).

Below the scene:

1709–1909 and А. ВАСЮТИНСКІЙ (A. Vasyutinsky).

This medal was issued to commemorate the bicentennial of Russia’s decisive victory over Sweden at the Battle of Poltava in 1709, a turning point in the Great Northern War.