RUSSIA, RUSSIAN CITIES, PETERGOF, PETRODVORETS, SAMSON IN SOUTH AFRICA

Russia, Russian Cities, Petergof, Petrodvorets, Samson Fountain, Grand Cascade Edition Technical Specs Presentation Country:   Metal Purity:    Gold Plated, Gilded Box:   Year of Issue:   Weight:   1 oz CoA:   Face Value:   Dimensions:   40     Quality:       Mintage:     New token with capsule The fountains of the Grand Cascade are located below the grotto and on either side of it. Their waters flow into a semicircular pool, the terminus of the fountain-lined Sea Channel. In the 1730s, the large Samson Fountain was placed in this pool. It depicts the moment when Samson tears open the jaws of a lion, representing Russia's victory over Sweden in the Great Northern War, and is doubly symbolic. The lion is an element of the Swedish coat of arms, and one of the great victories of the war was won on St Samson's Day. From the lion's mouth shoots a 20-metre-high vertical jet of water, the highest in all of Peterhof. This masterpiece by Mikhail Kozlovsky was looted by the invading Germans during the Second World War. A replica of the statue was installed in 1947. ____________________________________________________  Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.