Medal - Alexander II Unveiling of the Russian Millennium monument in Novgorod

Reverse

Monument Millennium of Russia in Veliky Novgorod.

Lettering:
СОВЕРШИВШЕМУСЯ ТЫСЯЩЕ ЛѢТiЮ ГОСУДАРСТВА РОССIЙСКАГО
1862

Translation: In memory of the accomplished of 1000 years of Russia

Engraver: P. Brusnytsin

Comment

The monument was erected in the Novgorod Kremlin to celebrate the millennium of Rurik's arrival in Novgorod, which is considered to be the starting point of Russian history. The architect V. Hartmann and the artist M. Mikeshin were the winners of a competition for the commission of this project. It portrays Russian monarchs, churchmen, generals and artists and was erected at the cost of 400'000 roubles. The pedestal and monument together weigh 100 tons. The USSR issued a commemorative 5 roubles in 1988 depicting the monument.