Russia, Imperial. A Rare Medal for Agrarian Reform in Poland, in Silver, with Case

(Медаль «За труды по устройству крестьян в Царстве Польском»). Instituted 8 December 1865 O.S. (1866 issue). Constructed of silver, the obverse bearing the raised and leftward-facing profiles of Tsars Nicholas I and Alexander II, flanked on the left by Cyrillic dates “"26 May/7 June 1846" (the date of the decree limiting the institution of serfdom in Poland) and on the right by dates “19 February/2 March 1864” (the date of the four decrees on the settlement of peasants in Poland”), the six o’clock position bearing an engraver’s mark of “Р.Н.К” for Nikolai Kozin, the reverse bearing an inscription of “ЗА ТРУДЫ ПО УСТРОЙСТВУ КРЕСТЬЯНЪ ВЪ ЦАРСТВѢ ПОЛЬСКОМЪ” (“FOR WORK IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PEASANTS IN THE POLISH KINGDOM”), the twelve o’clock position featuring a raised crown, the reverse of which features an integral loop retaining a suspension ring and original ribbon, measuring 28.40 mm (w) x 39.00 mm (h), weighing 18.4 grams (inclusive of ribbon), accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a pressed card stock frame with a faux maroon leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt Imperial Russian eagle, the interior featuring a padded white satin lind liner and medal bed, closing with a functional metal snap button, unmarked, minor and age-appropriate material fatigue is visible throughout the case (including partial detachment of the integrated hinge which compromises the case’s ability to fasten closed) while the medal demonstrates a superb original patina, a scarce example in overall near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: A rare distinction, only 650 Silver Grade Medals for Agrarian Reform in Poland were issued to functionaries and low-ranking officials involved in the dissolution of serfdom in Polish lands, with another 100 Gold Grade examples issued to high-ranking officials and those directly involved in drafting relevant decrees. Tsar Nicholas II signed a decree on 16 August 1898 affording this distinction hereditary status, with eldest male heirs of recipients receiving the right to continue to wear the medal, and for it to remain in family ownership if no male heirs were produced.