This week in history: Russian monarchs. Also Christmas!

This week, we’re looking at Russian history again. Specifically, two Russian rulers: Ivan the Terrible, who was crowned on December 3, 1533, and the lesser known Elizabeth, who took power on November 25, 1741.

Good old Ivan the Terrible. Although some scholars argue that “terrible” isn’t the best translation of his epithet grozny, Ivan remains best known for killing his own kid, police brutality, and destroying the both Russian economy and his own dynasty. So we leave it to the reader to decide if terrible or awesome or powerful is the best translation, preferably while browsing Ivan’s coins on our website.

Elizaveta Petronova, on the other hand, doesn’t have a great epithet to be remembered by, well-translated or not. She seized power in a dramatic bloodless coup on a bitter night in late November. Unfairly, both her father, Peter I, and her niece-by-marriage Catherine II earned the title “the Great,” but Elizabeth did not. However, she was much deserving of the same epithet. She is remembered as one of Russia’s best and kindest monarchs–she refused to execute a single person during her reign, sheer novelty for a Russian leader. Likewise, her coins are as striking, if not as well loved, as Catherine’s. Shop this underappreciated moment in Russian history now!

Lastly, we’re doing a final call for holiday orders! It’s not (quite) too late, but ordering sooner is better. If you missed our earlier emails or can’t find them in your inbox, all of our holiday items and gift ideas are also on here on the blog.