RUSSIA, Tsars of Russia. Nikolai II Aleksandrovich, 1894-1917. Medal 1895 (Silver, 68 mm, 167.00 g, 12 h), on the construction of St. Volodymyr's Cathedral in Kiev. St. Petersburg, dies by V. Nikonov and M. Skudnov. Crowned bust of Prince Volodymyr (Vladimir) facing slightly to left, wearing elaborate robe and holding cross in his left hand; in background, view of St. Volodymyr's Cathedral from the front. Rev. View of St. Volodymyr's Cathedral from the front. Diakov 1170.1. Smirnov 1115. Very rare. Fresh and sharp, a beautiful example of this intriguing medal. A few faint marks, otherwise, virtually as struck.


Construction on the magnificent St. Volodymyr's Cathedral started in 1862 according to plans by Alexander Vikentievich Beretti. Finished in 1882, its decoration by such famous painters as Mikhail Nesterov, Viktor Vasnetsov, Mikhail Vrubel, Wilhelm Kotarbiński and Pavel Svedomsky took another fourteen years to complete, and it was finally inaugurated on 1 September 1896. Today, the cathedral is affiliated with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate.