RUSSIA, Tsars of Russia. Nikolai I Romanow, 1825-1855. Medal 1855 (Gilt Bronze, 79 mm, 207.69 g, 12 h), on the 100th Anniversary of the University of Moscow. By V. Alexejew and A. Lyalin. St. Petersburg. Б . М . ЕЛИСАВЕТА I ИМПЕРАТР.И САМОДЕРЖ.ВСЕРОСС. / Ломоносовъ IUBILAEUM ГР. Шуваловъ Empress Elizabeth I facing, left Lomonosov in academic uniform and right Shuvalov in armor holding the deed of foundation. Rev. 18-55 Crowned imperial double eagle. Diakov 614.1. Smirnov 555. Extremely rare in gilt bronze. Light marks, otherwise, extremely fine.


This medal marks the centennial of the founding of Moscow State University, established in 1755 by decree of Empress Elizabeth I of Russia. The initiative was driven by the statesman Ivan Ivanovich Shuvalov and the renowned scholar Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov, whose vision helped shape the institution as a center of Enlightenment thought in Russia.

As the oldest university in the country, it would later bear Lomonosov’s name in recognition of his lasting intellectual legacy. The medal’s imagery reflects both imperial patronage and the collaboration of these key figures in advancing Russian education. Gilt examples of this medal are extremely rare and sought after.