1 rubel 1915

Common. Russian Imperial 1 Ruble notes from the 1898 series were issued in substantial quantities and circulated widely throughout the Russian Empire. Surviving examples are readily available on the collector market in various condition grades. While AU condition examples are more desirable than circulated pieces, the denomination and series remain accessible to collectors at modest price points. The Pick-15(3-4) designation indicates this is a standard variety of a high-volume issue, not a rare or short-run printing.

This note was issued during the reign of Tsar Nicholas II under the Russian Imperial monetary system, when the State Credit Notes were backed by gold reserves and circulated at parity with gold coins throughout the Empire. The prominent double-headed eagle and references to the State Treasury's backing reflect the formal monetary institutions of the late Russian Empire. The 1898 date and gold-standard language inscribed on the note document a period of relative monetary stability before the disruptions of the 1917 Revolution and subsequent currency reforms.

This State Credit Note features a symmetrical Art Nouveau design with the Russian Imperial double-headed eagle appearing in both upper corners of the obverse, symbolizing state authority and sovereignty. The reverse displays a larger central eagle within an ornate circular medallion, flanked by laurel wreaths and oak leaves representing strength and longevity. The denomination 'ОДИНЪ РУБЛЬ' (One Ruble) is prominently displayed within draped curtain motifs on the front, while the reverse features large stylized Cyrillic text spelling 'РУБЛЬ.' Extensive ornamental borders throughout both sides consist of geometric patterns, floral scrollwork, and fine line-work characteristic of late Imperial Russian security printing. The color scheme of blue-grey and rust-brown on tan creates a sophisticated, formal appearance befitting a government financial instrument of the period.

FRONT: 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' (State Credit Note) / 'ОДИНЪ РУБЛЬ' (One Ruble) / 'Государственный Банк разменивается кредитные билеты на золотую монету без ограничения суммы (1 р. в империала со держав 17,424 долей чистого золота).' (The State Bank exchanges credit notes for gold coins without limit of sum [1 ruble in imperials containing 17,424 parts of pure gold]) / 'Управляющий' (Manager) / 'Кассир' (Cashier) / Serial number 'НВ-494' / Date '1898'. BACK: 'РУБЛЬ' (Ruble) / 'Размене государственного кредитного билета на золотую монету обеспечивается всем достоянием Государственного казны.' (The exchange of state credit notes for gold coins is secured by all assets of the State Treasury) / '2. Государственные кредитные билеты имеют хождение во всей Империи наравне со золотою монетою.' (2. State credit notes circulate throughout the entire Empire on equal terms with gold coins) / '3. За поддержку кредитного билета виновные подвергаются лишению всех прав состояния и семейно не запрещю работу.' (3. Those guilty of undermining credit in the note are subject to loss of all rights of status and family restrictions on work).

Intaglio engraving (steel plate engraving), evidenced by the sharp, detailed line work visible throughout the border designs, the precise rendering of the double-headed eagles, and the crisp, deeply printed inscriptions. The multiple layers of fine decorative elements and the uniform clarity of the printing indicate professional security printing typical of Russian Imperial State Bank notes. Russian Imperial credit notes of this period were produced by the State Printing Office (Ekspeditsiia zagotovleniia gosudarstvennykh bumag) in St. Petersburg.

Pick-15(3-4) denotes this as a 1898-dated State Credit Note 1 Ruble with the signature combination specified for that variety. The serial number НВ-494 is a specific printing run indicator. Collectors should note that Russian Imperial notes of this period exist in multiple signature varieties and serial number series; the НВ prefix and specific numbering contribute to identification of this particular printing batch. The note is dated 1898, which is consistent with the 1898-1903 series of 1 Ruble State Credit Notes.