5 rubli 1919

Common. The eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $9.80–$28.12 range across multiple grades over more than a decade, with VF examples catalogued at approximately $30 (2016 values). Multiple eBay sales of F and VG grades indicate adequate supply in the collector market. The PMG population report lists this as P-3b with at least 16 documented variants across the Pick 3 series, suggesting substantial print runs. This note was part of Latvia's primary emergency currency issue and circulated widely during the 1919–1922 period before the Latu's introduction, resulting in common availability today.

Issued in 1919 during Latvia's declaration of independence from the Russian Empire, this 5 Rubli note represents the transitional currency period before Latvia adopted the Latu. The tripartite inscription system—with text in Latvian, German, and Russian—reflects the ethnic and administrative complexity of the newly independent state. The flaming torch emblem on the reverse symbolized Latvia's rebirth as a sovereign nation, while the guarantee clause printed in three languages underscored the state's commitment to back its currency with national property.

The obverse features a left-facing male portrait in profile positioned centrally, rendered in blue and gray tones with ornate geometric and guilloche border patterns. The portrait depicts what appears to be a significant historical or political figure relevant to Latvian independence, though specific identification is not indicated in available documentation. The denomination '5' appears prominently in decorative circular designs in the upper corners. The reverse displays the Latvian state emblem—a circular heraldic device topped by a dramatic flaming torch rendered in white against the blue background, symbolizing national independence and renewal. Stars and ornate linear borders frame the central emblem. Both sides employ sophisticated linear guilloche security patterns throughout, with the reverse showing bilateral German and Russian text reflecting the multilingual nature of the newly independent Latvian state.

OBVERSE: 'Serija' (Series), 'LATVIJAS' (Latvia), 'WALSTS KA[SES]' (State Treasury), 'SESHME' (Treasury/State Bank), '5 PEEZI RUBLI' (5 Rubles), 'FINANSU MINISTRS' (Finance Minister), 'WALSTS KASES SIHMES NODROSCINATAS AR WISEEM WALSTS IHPA CHUMEEM' (State treasury notes guaranteed by all state property). Serial number shown as 288510 A. REVERSE: German text: 'LETTLANDS STAAT'S KASSENSCHEIN' (Latvia's State Treasury Note), '5 FÜNF RUBEL' (5 Five Rubles), 'DIE STAATSKASSENSCHEINE SIND DURCH DAS GESAMTE VERMÖGEN DES STAATES GARANTIERT' (The state treasury notes are guaranteed by the entire property of the state). Russian text: 'ОБЯЗАТЕЛЬСТВО ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОГО КАЗН. БА ЛАТВИИ' (Obligation of the State Treasury Bank of Latvia), '5 ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' (5 Five Rubles), 'ОБЯЗАТЕЛЬСТВА ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОГО КАЗНА-БА ОБЕСПЕЧЕННОГО ВСЕМ ДОСТОЯНИЕМ ГОСУДАР[СТВА]' (The obligations of the state treasury bank are secured by all state property).

Intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the prominent guilloche patterns, fine linear details, and the characteristic crisp rendering of the portrait and heraldic elements. The security features include complex geometric line-work and guilloche designs typical of high-security banknote production from this era. The specific printer is not definitively documented in standard references for this Pick number, but Latvian notes of this period were often produced by established European security printers, though wartime and post-war production circumstances may have involved multiple facilities.

This example is identified as Pick 3b, Series A with six-digit serial number 288510 A. The PMG population report indicates multiple varieties exist within the P-3 designation, including P-3a, P-3b, P-3e, P-3f, and P-3s (specimen). Series variants include A, B, and C as documented in the realbanknotes.com reference. The visual analysis confirms Series A designation. No overprints or significant varieties are apparent on this example beyond the standard series letter designation.