CZAR NICHOLAS II CORONATION COMMEMORATIVE CUP
Circa 1896
Also known as a Khodynka Cup of Sorrows, Sorrow Cup or Blood Cup. Enameled metal with decoration of the cyphers of Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra, "1896" and the Russian double-headed eagle surrounded by light blue and orange geometric designs with gilt accents. Unmarked.
Height 5".
Notes:
Per long-standing tradition, souvenirs were distributed to the public to commemorate the coronation of a Czar. These cups and food were handed out in Khodynka Field four days after Nicholas II's coronation, where more than a half-million people had gathered. Rumors spread amongst the crowd that there were gold coins in the cups and that there weren't enough cups and food for everyone. Police failed to maintain order and a catastrophic crowd crush occurred, killing more than 1,200 and injuring as many as 10,000. Because of the tragedy, the cups became known as the Cup of Sorrow or Blood Cups.

Loss of enameling, mostly on rim and foot.

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