500 roubles 1919

Common. The catalog value for VF condition is listed at $15 USD (2016), and secondary market eBay prices cluster predominantly in the $25-$75 USD range for similar grades, with several listings under $50 USD. These pricing patterns indicate ready availability in the market. The Autonomous Republic of Georgia, despite its brief existence, issued banknotes in sufficient quantities to ensure that examples remain accessible to collectors. No specific print run restrictions or recall information suggest scarcity.

Issued during Georgia's short-lived independence (1918-1921) following the Russian Revolution, this banknote represents the attempts by the Democratic Republic of Georgia to establish sovereign financial institutions. The design elements—particularly the ornate national emblems and the dual-language inscriptions mixing Georgian and Russian—document the cultural assertion of Georgian identity during a period of significant geopolitical flux in the Caucasus region.

The obverse features a vertical ornamental medallion arrangement with three circular national emblems aligned on the left margin, reflecting Georgian heraldic traditions. The denomination '500' appears prominently in the upper right in large numerals. The reverse presents a simplified design with the denomination contained within an elaborate circular badge or cartouche at center, typical of denominations in this series. The overall aesthetic combines Art Nouveau decorative sensibilities with Georgian national motifs, rendered through fine line work throughout. No portraits are depicted; instead, the design emphasizes symbolic and heraldic national imagery appropriate for the new Georgian state's currency assertions.

FRONT: '500 აბრ.' (500 roubles); 'ფიცის 1 ივნისი 1920 წ.' (June 1, 1920); 'საქართველოს ის Республика Грузия 1920 г.' (Republic of Georgia, 1920); Serial number '8-01679'; 'თბილისი, 15 ივნისი 1919 წ.' (Tbilisi, June 15, 1919); 'საფინანსო მინისტრი' (Minister of Finance). BACK: Large denomination '500' in ornate circular badge design; additional fine print markings present but unclear in transcription.

Intaglio (engraved) printing, characteristic of high-denomination banknotes of this era. The fine linear detail work visible in both the ornamental medallion and the circular denomination badge on the reverse is consistent with steel engraving techniques. The uniform background patterns and intricate decorative elements indicate a sophisticated security printing operation, likely conducted at a Russian state security printer adapted for Georgian Republican use during this transitional period.

This specimen represents the standard 1919 issue (Pick P-3) as evidenced by the date markings '15 ივნისი 1919 წ.' (June 15, 1919) on the obverse. The serial number '8-01679' indicates mid-range numbering from the initial printing run. The signature on the lower right (Minister of Finance) may vary across different printing lots, representing a potential minor variety marker, though without comparative reference material, the specific signatory cannot be confirmed from the visual analysis alone. No overprints are visible.