5 rubli 1919

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows examples in F, G, and VF grades selling for modest amounts ($2.25 to $34.66) with limited bidding activity, indicating steady but unexceptional collector demand. Catalog values from 2016 place VF examples at $30 and UNC at $100, which are moderate prices typical of commonly available early 20th-century emergency currency. The PMG population report documents at least 16 cataloged variants of the 5 Rubli Pick number (P-3a through P-3f and others), suggesting significant production and multiple printings. An EF grade example represents above-average condition but not rare.

Issued by the Latvian Government in 1919 following Latvia's declaration of independence from the Russian Empire, this note represents the nation's early currency during a period of political and economic transition. The dual-language inscriptions in German and Russian reflect Latvia's complex linguistic and political heritage under Austro-Hungarian and Russian imperial rule. The prominent heraldic emblem featuring the letter 'L' with flames and stars symbolizes the newly independent Latvian state's assertion of sovereignty and national identity during this critical period of state formation.

The obverse depicts a male portrait in three-quarter profile facing left, executed in detailed stippled engraving technique characteristic of early 20th-century currency design. The portrait occupies the central medallion and serves as the primary security feature. The note employs a tripartite compositional structure with large serif numerals '5' positioned in all four corners, each surrounded by ornate geometric frames featuring repeating wave and line patterns. The reverse displays the state heraldic emblem at center: a stylized letter 'L' enclosed within a circular design, crowned with ascending flame motifs, and surrounded by a laurel or ornamental wreath. Three to four stars appear within or adjacent to the circular emblem. Both sides utilize consistent decorative borders composed of complex crosshatch patterns and fine geometric line work throughout the margins.

FRONT: 'Serija' (Series) and 'LATWIJAS WALSTISKA BESSIHME' (Latvian State Treasury); 'PEEZI RUBLI' (Five Rubles); 'FINANŠU MINISTRS' (Minister of Finance); Serial number 3007702. BACK: 'LETTLANDS STAATS KASSENSCHEIN' (Lettland/Latvia State Treasury Note) in German; 'ОБЯЗАТЕЛЬСТВО ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОГО КАЗНА ЛАТВИИ' (Obligation of the State Treasury of Latvia) in Russian; 'FÜNF RUBEL' (Five Rubles) and 'ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' (Five Rubles) in both languages; 'DIE STAATSKASSENSCHEINE SIND DURCH DAS GESAMTE VERMÖGEN DES STAATES GARANTIERT' (These state treasury notes are guaranteed by the entire assets of the state); 'ОБЕСПЕЧЕНВАЮТСЯ ВСЕМ ДОСТОЯНИЕМ ГОСУДАРСТВА' (Secured by all state assets); Counterfeiting warning text in both German and Russian.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), evidenced by the fine stippled portraiture, intricate geometric patterns, complex border designs, and the characteristic depth and detail visible in the security features. The dual-language text and heraldic emblem were produced using traditional steel plate engraving methods typical of state treasury note production in 1919. The printer for this Latvian issue is not definitively identified in the provided catalog data, though early Latvian banknotes were produced by various German and Russian printing facilities during this transitional period.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-3c, a 5 Rubli variety from the 1919 Latvian Government issue. The visual analysis indicates this is series D with serial number 3007702, consistent with catalog references noting series D or E variants. The PMG population report indicates multiple signing and printing varieties exist for this base Pick number (P-3a, P-3b, P-3c, P-3e, P-3f, P-3s), suggesting variations in signature combinations, printer marks, or serial number prefixes. The specific Pick designation P-3c indicates this particular variety within the 5 Rubli emissions.