Russia Medal (1857...

Russia Medal (1857) Commemorating the celebration in Finland of the 700th anniversary of the introduction of Christianity. St. Petersburg Mint, 1857. Medalists: persons. Art. — A.P. Lyalin (on the edge: A. LYALIN R.), ob. Art. — M.V. Kuchkin from the model of A.P. Lyalina (on the edge; left: A.L., right: I M.K.R.). Bronze: 73 g. Diameter 56.6 mm. Inscriptions on about. Art. medals (lat.): above - 'LUX NOVA ET AETERNA' (New and Eternal Light); under the bleed - 'HAC LUCE ANTE VII SAECULA / ACCEPTA GAUDEBAT FENNIA / DIE XVIII JUNII / A.MDCCCLVII.' (Finland rejoiced at this light; accepted for seven centuries; on June 18 1857). Smirnov# 612. Dyakov# 665.1 (R1) RARE NGC MS 65 BN