1 rubel 1919

Common. eBay sales data shows consistent trading activity across multiple condition grades, with UNC examples realizing $40-50 based on 2016 catalog values, and even PMG 66 graded examples selling for $129.50 in recent years, indicating an active market with reasonable supply. The note was issued in multiple series (E, F, G, H, K documented), suggesting substantial original print runs. Most banknotes from this period are common unless specifically recalled or from extremely short-lived issues, and this note shows no indicators of rarity.

Issued in 1919 by the Latvian Government State Treasury (Latvijas Valsts Kases), this note represents Latvia's first independent currency following the collapse of the Russian Empire and the establishment of the Latvian Republic. The trilingual inscriptions in Latvian, German, and Russian reflect Latvia's position as a culturally and linguistically diverse nation at the crossroads of Baltic, Germanic, and Russian spheres of influence. The rising sun emblem with the letter 'E' symbolizes national rebirth and independence during this pivotal period of state formation.

The note features an elegant Art Deco geometric design with intricate border patterns in green and cream/off-white throughout both sides. The obverse (front) is dominated by a central circular emblem featuring a rising sun design with the letter 'E' at the top center, symbolizing Latvia's independence and new era. The denomination '1' appears in all four corners in classical style. The reverse (back) features a larger central numeral '1' with an elaborate geometric crest incorporating a hand/arm symbol and star at the top center, reinforcing state authority. The entire design employs fine geometric patterns and borders typical of early 20th-century European security printing. Textual elements are arranged in horizontal bands in three languages (Latvian, German, Russian), reflecting the note's role as currency for a multilingual newly independent nation.

FRONT SIDE: 'LATVIJAS WALSTS KASĒS SIHME' (Latvian State Treasury Note) / 'WEENS RŪBLIS' (One Ruble) / 'Serija E' (Series E) / Serial number: 140350 / 'Walsts kasēs sihmes nodroshinatas ar wiseem walsts thpaschumeem' (State treasury notes are secured by all state property) / 'Pur Walsts kasēs sihmu wiltošchanu, waj wiltotu sthmu usglabašchanu un ispaidtschanu valustslos sodts tē wisu tësziba satradschenu un spaidiu darbeem lîdz 12 gadeem' (For counterfeiting state treasury notes, or keeping or distributing counterfeit notes, the law provides punishment up to 12 years imprisonment) / Date: 1919. BACK SIDE: 'STAATS-KASSENSCHEIN / EIN RUBEL' (German: State Treasury Note / One Ruble) / 'ОБЯЗАТЕЛЬСТВА ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОГО КАЗНАЧЕЙСТВА / ОДИН РУБЛЬ' (Russian: State Treasury Obligations / One Ruble) / German security text: 'Die Staatskassenscheine sind durch das gesamte Vermögen des Staates garantiert. Wer Staatskassenscheine nachmacht, oder nachmachte sich strafbar. In Verkehr bringt, wird unter Veraust aller Rechte für die Jahre bestraft' (State treasury notes are guaranteed by the entire assets of the state. Whoever counterfeits state treasury notes or brings counterfeit notes into circulation will be punished with loss of all rights for years) / Russian security text detailing penalties for counterfeiting up to 12 years hard labor.

Intaglio engraving (also known as copperplate or steel engraving), evidenced by the fine, crisp line detail visible in the geometric patterns, borders, and text throughout both sides of the note. The sharp definition of the intricate Art Deco geometric patterns and the precise rendering of multiple language text groups indicate professional security printing standards of the era. The uniform color density and the fine detail visible in the sun emblem and geometric crest confirm intaglio methods typical of established European security printers of 1919.

This note is identified as Pick P-2b variant of the 1 Rublis denomination. The series designation 'E' and serial number 140350 are clearly visible, corresponding to Series E as documented in the realbanknotes.com reference which notes known series E, F, G, H, and K variants. The PMG population report confirms P-2a and P-2b as catalogued variants for this denomination. This specific example represents the P-2b variety with Series E designation.