1 rubel 1915
“Sig.Titov”
About This Note
This is a Russian Imperial 1 Ruble State Credit Ticket from 1915, graded EF, featuring the elegant classical design characteristic of early 20th-century Russian banknotes. The note displays exceptional condition with sharp, clear printing throughout and no visible wear, creases, or foxing. The dual-color scheme of blue and tan on the obverse and reddish-brown on the reverse, combined with the intricate engraved security features and imperial heraldry, makes this an excellent example of pre-revolutionary Russian currency.
Common. This is a standard Imperial Russian State Credit Ticket from the widely-circulated 1 Ruble denomination produced during the 1898-1917 period. While the specific 1915 date and EF condition are desirable to collectors, 1 Ruble notes from this series were produced in large quantities for circulation throughout the Russian Empire. The serial number НВ-468 and signature of Titov do not indicate a particularly scarce variety. Notes of this denomination and period are regularly available in the collector market.
Issued by the Russian State Bank during the reign of the last Romanov Tsar, this credit ticket represents the final era of Imperial Russian currency before the 1917 revolution and subsequent RSFSR period. The note's prominent double-headed imperial eagle with crown and heraldic shields, along with inscriptions affirming the State's backing of the currency, reflect the Empire's gold standard system and centralized monetary authority. The text detailing the note's gold content (17.424 parts pure gold per ruble) demonstrates the strict metallic backing that governed Imperial Russian monetary policy.
The note features a classic Imperial Russian banknote design centered on symbols of state authority and monetary stability. The obverse displays an ornate decorative frame with classical architectural elements framing the denomination and issuing text, with the Russian Imperial double-headed eagle coat of arms positioned on the left and an ornate circular emblem containing imperial regalia on the right. The reverse showcases a large central circular medallion containing the crowned double-headed Imperial Russian eagle with heraldic shields representing the various Russian principalities and territories, surrounded by ornamental borders featuring oak leaf and floral motifs. The color scheme—blue and tan on the front, reddish-brown and cream on the back—provides visual distinction between sides while maintaining the formal, authoritative appearance appropriate for state currency.
FRONT SIDE: 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' (State Credit Ticket); 'ОДИН РУБЛЬ' (One Ruble); 'Государственный Банк размыкает кредитные билеты на золотую монету без ограничения суммы (1р.=⅓ империала, содержит 17.424 долей чистого золота).' (The State Bank issues credit tickets for gold coin without limitation of amount. 1 ruble = 1/3 of an imperial, containing 17.424 parts of pure gold.); 'Управляющий' (Managing Director); 'Кассир' (Cashier); Serial number 'НВ-468'; Date '1898'. BACK SIDE: 'РУБЛЬ' (Ruble); '1. Раздача государственных кредитных билетов на золото монету обеспечивается всеми достояниями Государства.' (1. The issuance of State credit tickets for gold coin is secured by all the property of the State.); '2. Государственные кредитные билеты имеют хождение по всей Империи наравне с золотою монетою.' (2. State credit tickets circulate throughout the entire Empire on equal terms with gold coin.); '3. Во поддержку кредитного дела отчисляются движения всего права состояния.' (3. To support credit matters, portions of all rights of property are allocated to the requested work.)
This note was produced using intaglio engraving, the primary security printing method employed by the Imperial Russian State Bank for high-denomination currency. The intricate engraved patterns throughout the note, multiple layers of decorative borders, fine detail work in the central medallion and ornamental elements, and the sharp, crisp print quality all indicate master engraving plates. The detailed heraldic symbols and elaborate scrollwork borders demonstrate the sophisticated security printing capabilities of Russian Imperial currency production.
This specimen is identified as Pick P-15(3-8), indicating it falls within the standard Imperial Russian 1 Ruble credit ticket classification. The note bears the signature of Titov (noted in collector provenance), who served in an official capacity with the Imperial Russian State Bank. The serial number НВ-468 represents standard numbering from the production run. No overprints or unusual markings indicating emergency issue or regional variants are evident from the visual analysis. This appears to be a standard type example from the mainstream circulation series of the period.
