1 rubel 1915
“Sig.Heilman”
About This Note
This is a Russian Imperial 1 Ruble credit note from 1898, presented in uncirculated condition with exceptional preservation. The note features stunning ornate design work across both sides with elaborate architectural framing, imperial heraldry, and intricate decorative scrollwork in blue, beige, and tan tones. The sharp printing, clean margins, and complete absence of wear make this an excellent example of Russian imperial currency artistry from the late Tsarist period.
Common. While this is an Imperial-era Russian banknote, the 1 Ruble denomination from 1898 was widely issued and circulated. Russian Imperial credit notes of this period remain relatively common in the numismatic market, particularly in lower denominations like the 1 Ruble. Uncirculated examples are more desirable than circulated pieces, but this denomination does not have a significantly restricted print run or historical scarcity factor that would elevate it to rare status.
Issued by the Russian State Bank under the Imperial regime, this 1 Ruble credit note represents the gold-backed currency system of late 19th-century Russia. The prominent double-headed eagle imperial coat of arms and official seals visible on both sides symbolize the authority of the Russian state, while the printed guarantee of gold exchangeability reflects the Tsarist empire's commitment to the gold standard. The note's 1898 date places it in the reign of Tsar Nicholas II, during a period of relative economic stability before the upheavals of the 20th century.
This note features a masterfully designed layout centered on Imperial Russian heraldic symbolism. The front displays an elaborate architectural frame with decorative columns flanking a central text panel declaring the denomination and gold-backing guarantee. The double-headed eagle Imperial coat of arms appears prominently on both the left side and within a formal circular seal on the right, representing the authority and legitimacy of the Russian State Bank. The reverse side features a large central circular medallion containing a detailed rendering of the double-headed Imperial eagle surrounded by radiating ornamental patterns and an elaborate decorative border. Intricate scrollwork, floral patterns, and geometric ornamental borders frame the entire design on both sides. The color scheme of blue and beige on the front transitioning to warm tan and cream tones on the reverse creates visual distinction between the sides while maintaining design coherence.
FRONT SIDE: 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' (State Credit Ticket) - main heading. 'одинъ рубль' (one ruble) - denomination in words. 'Государственный Банк размѣняваетъ кредитные билеты на золото монету безъ ограничения суммы (1 руб. = ⅕ империала, содержащь 17,424 доли чистаго золота)' (The State Bank exchanges credit notes for gold coin without limitation of amount; 1 ruble equals 1/5 of an imperial, containing 17.424 parts pure gold). 'Управляющий' (Managing Director) and 'Кассир' (Cashier) - signature lines. Serial number 'НБ-272' appears twice in lower corners. Date: '1898'. BACK SIDE: 'РУБЛЬ' (Ruble) - large decorative denomination marking. '1. Размѣна согласно-ственнаго кредитнаго билета не золотую монету обезпечивается всѣми достояніемъ Государства.' (1. The exchange of government credit notes for gold coin is secured by all the resources of the State). '2. Государственные кредитные билеты имѣютъ по всей Империи хожденіе по золоту их номиналу.' (2. State credit notes circulate throughout the entire Empire at their face value in gold). '3. За нарушку кредитных билетов штрафуются движимо отвѣтъ взысканія согласно и степінь по настоящему разпоряженію.' (3. For defacement of credit notes, penalties are imposed according to the present regulations).
This note was produced using intaglio engraving and letterpress printing techniques, characteristic of high-security Imperial Russian currency production. The fine line work, elaborate border patterns, and detailed heraldic imagery visible throughout indicate expert engraving work. The Russian State Bank employed the Imperial Printing Office (Экспедиция Заготовления Государственных Бумаг) for production of these credit notes, utilizing advanced security printing methods of the late 19th century including multiple registration points and complex plate work.
The Pick catalog designation P-15(2-2) indicates this is the second issue variant of the 1 Ruble Imperial credit note. The serial number 'НБ-272' visible on both lower corners represents the specific sheet identifier. No overprints are visible on this example. Signature lines for both the Managing Director (Управляющий) and Cashier (Кассир) are present but not filled in this specimen, which is typical of uncirculated notes. The 1898 date on this note identifies it as belonging to the standard Imperial series issued during the reign of Nicholas II, distinct from earlier or later varieties.
