Particularly beautiful and rare silver medal from the Russian Empire, issued between 1905–1915 by the Saint Petersburg Mint.

This large medal is associated with provincial agricultural exhibitions, where agricultural products and achievements were presented. The medal was issued on behalf of the Главное управление землеустройства и земледелия – the Main Directorate for Land Management and Agriculture.

Obverse

The obverse depicts the portraits of two Russian emperors:

- Alexander III (1845–1894)

- Nicholas II (1868–1918)

The portraits face left and are executed with great detail. The combination of Alexander III and Nicholas II refers to the Russian imperial dynasty. 

Reverse

The reverse is particularly richly decorated. In the center is the official text:

«ОТЪ ГЛАВНАГО УПРАВЛЕНІЯ ЗЕМЛЕУСТРОЙСТВА И ЗЕМЛЕДѢЛІЯ»

Loosely translated:

“From the Main Directorate for Land Management and Agriculture.”

Around it is an extensive decorative agricultural motif including fruit, flowers, ears of corn, laurel and oak branches, tied together with a ribbon. The decoration directly relates to the agricultural nature of the medal and the agricultural exhibitions for which it was used.

Historical background

During this period, the Russian government was intensively engaged with issues concerning agriculture, land ownership, land management, and the use of agricultural land. In May 1905, the Main Directorate for Land Management and Agriculture was formed.

The medal belongs to the last period of the Russian Empire under Nicholas II, just a few years before the Russian Revolution of 1917.

Design & specifications:

• Country: Russian Empire
• Period: approx. 1905–1915
• Material: silver
• Weight: 61 grams
• Diameter: 50 mm 
• Mint: Saint Petersburg Mint
• Reference: Smirnov 1339/b
• Dyakov: 1160.2 (R1)