25 rubli 1919

Common. While this note represents early Latvian currency from a historically significant period, the catalog data and market references indicate it circulates regularly among collectors. eBay historical sales data shows similar-condition examples selling in the $24-30 range (VG), with EF examples estimated at $80-100 according to 2016 catalog values. The existence of documented variants (P-5g and P-5h in PMG population records) and the relatively straightforward availability suggest this is a standard issue within collector circulation. Print runs for this denomination were substantial enough to ensure adequate availability today.

Issued during Latvia's brief window of independence (1918-1940) following the Russian Revolution and German withdrawal, this note reflects the complex linguistic and political heritage of the region. The bilingual German and Russian text, coupled with the wheat sheaf and sun imagery, symbolizes both agricultural prosperity and the nation's emerging statehood during a period of significant regional upheaval. The note's guarantee language emphasizes state authority and legitimacy at a time when Latvia was establishing its financial institutions.

The obverse features a symmetrical composition centered on a stylized wheat sheaf motif positioned at the top, symbolizing agricultural wealth and productivity. Below this is a radiant sun or circular emblem incorporating a heraldic shield, representing state authority and sovereignty. The denomination '25' appears prominently in opposite corners (left and right sides). The entire note is framed by an elaborate geometric border pattern featuring repeated diamond-shaped decorative elements and fine linear work, characteristic of early 20th-century security printing. The reverse is not visible in the provided images but is documented to feature three stylized ears of corn. The overall design aesthetic reflects Germanic influence in layout and ornamental detail, typical of Latvian notes from this transitional period. The color scheme of tan/beige with brown accents provides excellent contrast for the fine line work.

FRONT (Obverse): German text: 'LETTLANDS STAATS-KASSENSCHEIN' (Latvia State Treasury Note); Russian text: 'ОБЯЗАТЕЛЬСТВО ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОГО КАЗНАЧЕЙСТВА ЛАТВИИ' (Obligation of the State Treasury of Latvia). Denomination inscribed as '25 RUBEL' (German) and '25 РУБЛЕЙ' (Russian). Security notice in German: 'WER STAATSKASSENSCHEINE NACHMACHT, ODER NACHGEMACHTE SICH VERSCHAFFT UND IN VERKEHR BRINGT, WIRD UNTER VERLUST ALLER RECHTE MIT ZWANGSARBEIT BIS ZU 12 JAHREN BESTRAFT' (Whoever counterfeits state treasury notes, or procures counterfeited ones and puts them into circulation, will be punished with loss of all rights and forced labor for up to 12 years). Guarantee text in German: 'Die Staatskassenscheine sind durch das gesamte Vermögen des Staates garantiert' (The state treasury notes are guaranteed by the entire assets of the state). Corresponding Russian security text: 'ЗА ПОДДЕЛКУ ОБЯЗАТЕЛЬСТВ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОГО КАЗНАЧЕЙСТВА, ХРАНЕНИЕ И РАСПРОСТРАНЕНИЕ ПОДДЕЛЬНЫХ, ВИНОВНЫЕ ПОДВЕРГАЮТСЯ ЛИШЕНИЮ ВСЕХ ПРАВ И СЫЛЬНОЙ КАТОРЖНЫХ РАБОТЫ ДО 12 ЛЕТ' (For counterfeiting state treasury obligations, keeping and distributing counterfeits, the guilty are subject to loss of all rights and hard labor for up to 12 years). Russian guarantee: 'Обязательства Государственного Казначейства обеспечиваются всем достоянием государства' (The obligations of the State Treasury are secured by all the wealth of the state).

This note was produced using intaglio printing (letterpress/engraving), evidenced by the fine, precise line work visible in the geometric border patterns, the detailed wheat sheaf and sun emblem, and the sharp clarity of the bilingual inscriptions. The consistency of ink application and the intricate security patterns indicate professional security printing standards of the era. While the specific printer is not definitively documented for Pick 5g in available references, Latvian notes of this period were often produced by established European security printers such as G&D (Giesecke+Devrient) or similar facilities.

This note is identified as Pick 5g (P-5g) specifically, with watermark documented as 'Light Lines.' The catalog indicates a known variant P-5h also exists for the 25 Rubli denomination. Series F is noted in collector records for this example. No mint marks, significant overprints, or signature varieties are evident from the visual analysis. The series designation (F) may indicate a print run variant, though detailed series information for this issue is limited in standard references.