Alexander I, 1802 – Mining Expedition in the Caucasus and Ararat Mountains

ANRO-442; Diakov-278.1

Obverse: A young, right-facing bust of Emperor Alexander I. The inscription around the edge reads: "Б. М. АЛЕКСАНДРЪ I ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС." Below the bust, the engraver’s signature: "C. LEBERECHT. F."

Reverse: A five-line inscription in Russian, surrounded by a beaded border, recognizing the contributions of Count Musin-Pushkin during an expedition. The text reads: "ВОЗДАЯНIЕ ЗА УСЕРДIЕ ОКАЗАННОЕ ВО ВРЕМЯ ЕКСПЕДИЦIИ ТАЙНАГО СОВЂТНИКА ГРАФА МУСИНА ПУШКИНА ДЛЯ ПРIИСКАНIЯ РУДЪ ВЪ ХРЕБТАХЪ КАВКАЗСКИХЪ И АРАРАТСКИХ ГОРЪ." (Translation: "In recognition of the diligence shown during the expedition of Privy Councillor Count Musin-Pushkin for the search of ores in the Caucasus and Ararat mountain ranges.")

Specifications: 51mm
Gold – R5;
Silver – R3;
Bronze – R2; 54.70g

Reference: Diakov-278.1
Image shown: CGB.fr Auction March 2025 Lot 976352

This medal was awarded for contributions to geological and mining explorations in the Caucasus and Ararat regions, highlighting Russia’s imperial scientific and industrial interests in the early 19th century.

It was instituted on January 22, 1802, to award participants of Count A. A. Musin-Pushkin’s expedition. Initially, 15 gold and 12 silver medals were struck and presented.