1 rublis 1919

Common. EBay market data shows consistent sales activity across multiple condition grades from 2013-2024, with UNC examples selling for $31.05 (2021) and PMG-graded examples at $39-$49. The sustained auction activity and moderate price points ($5-$49 depending on condition and grading) indicate adequate supply. These regional Soviet notes from the 1919 period, while historically significant, were produced in sufficient quantities to remain affordable and available to collectors.

Issued during Latvia's tumultuous transition period following Russian Revolution, this note was produced by Riga's Workers' Deputies Soviet in 1919—a regional Soviet authority operating during the brief Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic (December 1918-May 1919). The hammer and sickle motif and revolutionary Latvian inscriptions ('Workers of all countries, unite') reflect the communist ideology of the issuing body. The note's expiration date of January 1, 1920, embeds the political uncertainty of the era, as this Soviet regime was ultimately overthrown by nationalist forces.

The obverse features a prominent circular seal on the left side containing the Soviet hammer and sickle symbol rendered in red, surrounded by an inscription in Latvian reading 'Workers of all countries, unite.' The right side displays the title 'MAINASZIME' in large letters with issuer information and validity terms. The reverse presents a more symmetrical design with the denomination '1 RUBLIS' housed within an elaborate oval ornamental frame, with corner numerals. Both sides employ fine crosshatch security patterns and intricate engraving throughout the background. The color scheme of tan, beige, red, and blue creates a distinctive appearance. Signature lines for Chairman and Secretary are present, though specific signatories are not clearly visible in the description. This is a regional emergency currency note lacking traditional portrait elements.

OBVERSE: 'VISU ZEMU PROLETARESU SAVIENOSIMIES' (Workers of all countries, unite); 'RIGAS STRADNEEKU DEPUTATU PADOMES' (Riga Workers' Deputies Council); 'MAINASZIME' (Currency/Money); 'SIMAINS ZIME IR LIKUMIGS MAKSASANAS LIDZEKKLIS UN DERIGA LIDZ 1 JANVAARIM 1920 GADA RIGA UN APRINKI' (This currency is legal tender and valid until January 1, 1920 in Riga and surrounding areas); 'PRIEKSSEDTAJS' (Chairman); 'SEKRETARS' (Secretary); '1919'. REVERSE: '1 RUBLIS' (1 Rublis); '1' (corner numerals); 'MAINAS ZIMU VIHOTU KA ARI VITOTO ZIME! IPILATTAJ LIKS SAI SKI PEE ATBILDI BAS PSVOLITCIONARA TRIBUNALA GRECKA UN SODITI AR AUGSTANO SODA MERU' (Counterfeiting or imitating this currency note is punishable by the tribunal of revolutionaries and subject to severe punishment).

Intaglio engraving (letterpress/recess printing), evidenced by the fine line work, complex crosshatch patterns, detailed ornamental flourishes, and the crisp impression characteristic of high-quality banknote production. The security features include intricate geometric background patterns typical of early 20th-century banknote design. No specific printer is documented in the available catalog data for this Pick number.

The Pick catalog lists P-R1 as a single variant for the 1 Rublis denomination. No major varieties with different overprints, serial number prefixes, or signature combinations are documented in the standard references. The note may exist with variations in signature placement or clarity, and examples with different levels of oxidation/foxing are common given the age and paper stock, but these constitute condition variations rather than distinct varieties.