The Arkansas Advocate

LATE OMISSIONS.

From the N. Y. Evening Post.

NEW RUSSIAN COIN.

We have been shown the platina coins mentioned in the following communication. The dies are beautiful, and from the nature of the metal must preserve the sharpness and distinctness of the impression longer than either gold or silver. The six rouble piece mentioned below, and estimated at the value of four dollars and sixty cents, is about the size of a cent. Platina being the most ponderous of all metals, the coins could not be counterfeited without the fraud being easily detected.

The metal Platina employed as a monied Currency.—This curious production is said to be heavier than gold. It was originally brought from South America, where the grains of which it consists were picked up in certain alluvial districts. But the quantity was small. Still it was considerable enough to be formed into mirrors for reflecting Telescopes, crucibles, laboratory spoons, touch holes for fire arms, evaporating vessels, pendulums, pyrometers, and measures of length. It had often been mentioned as a proper material for coin, but does not appear, until lately, to have been used for that purpose. It is now regularly issued from the mint: but while enterprising Spain, scientific France, and ingenious England, have omitted to make it a circulating medium, industrious Russia has taken the lead in the business. The following note from H. Warner, Esq. to Dr. Mitchell contains valuable information on the subject.

"Dear Sir: I have the honor to inclose for you some specimens of the new Russian platina coin, which have been handed me for this purpose by our late Minister, the Hon. Mr. Middleton, just returned from St. Petersburgh, and now in this city. They were intended expressly for you."

Platina is perhaps the most unchangeable and indestructible substance on the face of the globe. In the beginning, when the quantity was small, it was considered the most valuable of all metals: lately, however, its price has considerably fallen. This is in consequence of its discovery in the Ural mountains, whose chain extending from the borders of the Frozen Ocean, terminates near the sources of the River Wolga. From this source it has been obtained in sufficient quantity to be turned into coin.

The pieces are beautiful and exquisitely wrought. They have not the splendor of silver, nor the mild lustre of gold, but have a lustre somewhat between polished iron and tin. The impression of the die is very sharp and distinct, so that the execution is in very high style. On one side is the two headed spread eagle of Muscovy, with the globe in the left claw and the sceptre in the right, and small crowns on the heads: these are surmounted by a large imperial crown. The armorial bearings and other devices on the body and wings bear examination with the magnifying glass. There are no letters on this side. On the reverse are explanations of the value, date, and occasion, but no head of an autocrat, or any other great person. They are said to be issued by the government, and to be received at the treasury for taxes, imposts, rents, and all other dues. They are calculated in silver roubles. Now, a silver rouble is worth seventy-seven cents of our money, so that a six rouble piece is worth four dollars and sixty-two cents, and consequently a three rouble piece half the money.