Niue Island Tsarskoe Selo Catherine Queen Palace $10 Five Colored Silver coin set with Amber insert Proof 2012 ~1.9 oz

A rare set of 5 silver commemorative coins "Tsarskoe Selo" is an imperial estate comprising a number of palace buildings set within a park, dating back to the turn of the 18th century a magnificient moment of imperial Russia. It is one of the most exquisite residences built in the Russian baroque style. Initially intended to be a resting ground for members of the Tsar family, since the rule of Empress Elizabeth (1741-1791) the Tsarskoe Selo became the residence of imperiors.

Over the last two centuries the estate was frequented by rulers, leading politicians and diplomats, while on many occasions it also served as a venue for many higher class ball. In 1918 the Tsarskoe Selo became a museum. The centre of the estate is occupaed by the Catherine Palace which for years has been used to collect excellent works of art. An important part of the museum are the surrounding parks which conceal the numerous palaces, pavilions, briges of marble monuments, built in the Gothic, Turkish and Chinese style.

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OBVERSES:

In the central part of each coin - the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the incriptions - ELIZABETH II, NIUE ISLAND (issuer), the mint's mark, 2 DOLLARS (face value), 2012 (year of issue), Ag 925 (alloy of silver).

REVERSES:

The central coin - the image of the front gate of the Catherine Palace.
The left coin - the effigy of Empress Elizabeth in pad printing technology.
The right coin - the effigy of Emperior Nicholas II, the last tsar who was in residence before the October Revolution.
The top coin - the image of the front elevation of the Catherine Palace.
The bottom coin - the image of the eastern front elevation of the Cameron Gallery.
Each irregular coin is decorated by rococo ornament and an insertion of amber stylized as the decorations of the Amber room in the Catherine Palace.