3 rubel 1917
Market Prices
About This Note
This is a well-preserved example of a 3 Ruble banknote issued by the Russo-Asiatic Bank in 1917, graded VF in condition. The note features exceptional engraving quality with ornate baroque-style borders, large decorative numerals, and a striking steam locomotive depicted on the reverse, reflecting the railway-focused economy of early 20th-century Manchuria. The visual evidence shows age-appropriate toning and patina consistent with early 20th-century paper stock, with no major tears or creases—a desirable example for collectors of Russian Far East currency.
common. eBay market data shows numerous examples trading in the $30–$300 range across multiple condition grades, with VF specimens consistently appearing at $72–$90, indicating a regular supply to the secondary market. The Russo-Asiatic Bank issued this denomination in substantial quantities to support Russian Far East commerce and railway operations. No historical record suggests this issue was short-lived, recalled, or limited in print run. The presence of multiple examples at modest price points confirms this is a frequently encountered note among collectors of Russian or Far East currency.
This banknote represents a critical moment in Russian Far East history, issued by the Russo-Asiatic Bank during the final year of the Russian Empire. The prominent depiction of a steam locomotive on the reverse symbolizes the Chinese Eastern Railway, the strategic railway line that connected Russia to Manchuria and was a cornerstone of Russian economic and geopolitical interests in the region. The note's acceptance specifications—inscribed to be honored at railway cashiers and bank branches in Harbin, Hailar, and other Manchurian centers—underscore the integration of banking and railway operations during this turbulent period of Russian expansion and the subsequent collapse of Imperial authority.
The obverse features an elaborate classical architectural frame rendered in green, brown, and cream tones, with ornamental baroque elements in all four corners. Large decorative numerals '3' appear in ornate quadrifoil frames on both left and right margins, a common security feature of the period. The central design presents a framed text panel containing the issuer information and legal tender specifications. Red serial numbers (178202) appear prominently at the top, providing unique identification. The reverse showcases the most distinctive element: a finely engraved steam locomotive depicted in three-quarter profile, moving along railroad tracks with detailed smoke emanating from its chimney. This locomotive imagery reinforces the railway-backed nature of the currency. The reverse employs blue-gray, cream, and black tones, creating strong visual contrast. Matching decorative numerals appear on the reverse, and red serial numbers are repeated at the bottom to facilitate verification.
FRONT SIDE: 'РУССКО-АЗИАТСКИЙ БАНК' (Russo-Asiatic Bank) / 'ТРИ РУБЛЯ' (Three Rubles) / Serial number: 178202 / Extended text: 'Этот бонь принимается во всех кассах Китайской Восточной Железной Дороги, равно как и в Отделениях Русско-Азиатского Банка в Харбине, Хайларе и Кудынченцы, на равне ст. Государственными Кредитными Билетами образцов находящихся в обращении до 1917 года исключительно. Подделка преследуется законом.' (This bond is accepted at all cashiers of the Chinese Eastern Railway, as well as at the branches of the Russo-Asiatic Bank in Harbin, Hailar, and Kuduanzhentsy, on equal footing with State Credit Notes of the 1917 model in circulation exclusively. Counterfeiting is punishable by law.) / 'Китайская Восточная Жел. Дорога' (Chinese Eastern Railway) / 'Русско-Азиатский Банк' (Russo-Asiatic Bank). BACK SIDE: 'РУССКО-АЗИАТСКИЙ БАНК' (Russo-Asiatic Bank) / 'ТРИ РУБЛЯ' (Three Rubles) / Serial number: 178202 / 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (American Bank Note Company—printer)
Intaglio engraving (steel or copper plate engraving), as evidenced by the fine detail, precise line work, and the characteristic depth and texture visible throughout both sides. The American Bank Note Company, one of the world's premier security printers of the period, executed this work. The intricate border patterns, locomotive rendering, and ornamental numerals all demonstrate the hallmarks of high-quality intaglio production. The red serial number overprinting was applied separately, likely via letterpress or similar secondary printing method. The complexity and security features—including elaborate engraving patterns and multi-color design—were state-of-the-art anti-counterfeiting measures for 1917.
Serial number 178202 is visible on both sides in red ink. Pick catalog notes this as P-S475, designating it within the standard Russo-Asiatic Bank 3 Ruble series. Varieties for this issue typically relate to signature blocks, printer marks, or serial number series; this example bears the American Bank Note Company imprint on the reverse, consistent with the primary variety. No visible overprints, date variations, or signature differences distinguish this specimen as a rare variety. The 1917 date and standard design indicate this is the common, post-revolutionary emergency issue of the Russo-Asiatic Bank series.
