A PAIR of rare Russian medals have been found by a Dorchester-based auctioneer.

Timothy Medhurst, from Duke’s auctioneers, discovered two medals dating back to the 18th century at a Dorset house earlier this month.

The medals originate from Catherine the Great’s reign of the soviet country between 1761 and 1796 and both depict crucial historical events in the history of Russia.

The first medal, measuring 6.5cm in diameter, is dated 1770 and shows the transportation of the granite monolith used for the monument of Philip I, Catherine’s husband.

The second medal dates to 1763, just a year following the overthrowing of Peter the Great in 1762, and commemorates the Establishment of the Foundling Hospital in Moscow. Catherine II followed in the footsteps of her husband Philip I in the modernization of Russia, and she has become the most renowned and the longest ruling female leader of Russia.

Each medal is estimated to fetch between £3,000 and £5,000 at the next auction held by Duke’s, although the auctioneers are hoping it will be sold for more as they are both of interest to medal collectors.

Mr Medhurst said: “Both medals depict important events in the history of Russia – the Foundling Hospital for example, was so important to the country that when Napoleon retreated from Moscow in 1812, he gave specific orders to preserve the building.

“To find not one but two medals crafted in gold, an expensive material in which very few medals were ever issued and in this original condition is exceptional.”

“The market for collectables is very strong at the moment, good things are fetching high prices and coin and military related items are at an all time high.”

The next auction will be held on March 12 and for more information contact 01305 265080