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Auction: 370 - The Numismatic Collector's Series e-Auction
Lot: 502

Russia. Nicholas II. Coronation Cup, 1896 - Khodynka Cup of Sorrows". Enameled Porcelain, 4", 3 ½" diameter. Elaborate red, blue and gold pattern, crowned royal cipher and date 1896 on one side, Imperial eagle on the other. Following a long tradition, these cups were given out along with food and scarves to those attending the Coronation celebration. On the morning of the 18th of May, 1896, some half million people gathered on Khodynka Field in Moscow, a bedraggled, pitted field normally used for military exercises. A rumor circulated among the massive crowd, eager for the presents, that the porcelain cups contained a gold coin. In the mad rush that ensued over a thousand people were killed in the deadly crush - earning the cups the monicker "Khodynka Cup of Sorrows" and beginning the pall that would hang over the reign of Nicholas II. Some small chips to the rim typical of these cups, a very light residue at interior bottom. Gilt loss to top circular border, minor loss to bottom gilt border.

Estimate

Starting price
$120