A RUSSIAN ENAMEL CORONATION CUP.circa 1896. Issued as souvenir to celebrate coronation of Alexandra and Nicholas II on May 26, 1896. Enamelled copper cup with Celtic inspired designs, Russian armorial crest on one side, reversing to Cyrillic initials for Nicholas II with "1896"; with gilt rims - 4 in. high. Estimate $350-400
NOTE: During the open-air feast held a day after the coronation a rumor circulated that one of the cups held a 500 ruble coin. A riot erupted and in the ensuing stampede it is purported that hundreds lost their lives. The cup henceforth became known as the "Cup of Sorrows."
