300 years of the state fund of precious metals and precious stones of the Russian Federation

Russia Post released a set of 4 stamp on the precious metals and stones of the Russia on 3rd September 2019 depicting a breastplate with a portrait of Peter I, a diadem, a port-bouquet and a rattle-whistle

In 2019, the 300th anniversary of the State Fund of Precious Metals and Precious Stones of the Russian Federation will be celebrated. The decree of Peter I of 1719 approved the form of storage of especially significant state values. Today, the fund is part of the gold and foreign exchange reserves of Russia, represents a combination of precious metals, stones and products from them and is intended to provide for the production, financial, scientific, socio-cultural and other needs of the Russian Federation.

The badge with the portrait of Peter the Great dates back to the beginning of the 18th century, was handed out by special highest permission to members of the imperial family and the highest and most honored dignitaries of the state for special services to the Fatherland, was equated with orders.

The pink diamond diadem was used during the weddings of the great princesses, and originally belonged to Empress Maria Fedorovna, wife of Emperor Paul I.

The port bouquet, made in the middle of the 18th century, served as a miniature vase for fresh flowers, was filled with water and pinned to the corsage of the formal dress.

A rattle-whistle was made in 1740 for the son of Empress Anna Leopoldovna; after three decades, Grand Duke Pavel Petrovich presented it to his first-born Alexander.