1 rubel 1898

Common. The 1898 Russian Imperial 1 Ruble State Credit Notes were issued in substantial quantities as standard circulating currency of the Russian Empire. No specific evidence of limited print run, early recall, or short-lived issue exists for Pick 1d(5). The VG condition grade reflects normal circulation wear consistent with heavy use as a workaday denomination. Collector signature notations such as Mikheyev variants are documented but do not materially affect rarity status for this common denomination and issue.

This 1898 issue represents the Russian Empire's State Credit Note system under the gold standard, with the obverse explicitly stating the gold backing standard mandated by Imperial decree (17.424 parts of foreign gold per ruble). The prominent double-headed imperial eagle symbolizes the Romanov Dynasty's sovereign authority over Russian monetary policy during the final two decades of Tsarist rule, preceding the monetary upheavals of the 1917 Revolution. The classical architectural framing and baroque decorative elements reflect the conservative, tradition-bound aesthetic of late Imperial Russian design.

The obverse features an elaborate symmetrical composition centered on a draped curtain motif with the Imperial double-headed eagle (Государственный орел) crowned and positioned at the apex. The design is enclosed within a classical architectural frame with columns and pilasters rendered in fine line work. Ornamental scrollwork, floral arabesques, and decorative borders in the baroque tradition frame all edges, with denomination numerals positioned in the corners. The reverse presents a dominant circular medallion containing the crowned double-headed eagle within an ornamental wreath or circular frame, surrounded by elaborate baroque scrollwork and flourishes. A large stylized Cyrillic numeral '1' appears prominently on the left side of the reverse, with additional text and decorative border elements completing the composition.

FRONT SIDE: 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' (State Credit Ticket); 'ОДИН РУБЛЬ' (One Ruble); 'Государственный Банк размещается кредитные билеты на полному монету без ограничения суммы (ст. 46 императором содержится 17,424 доле иностного золота)' (The State Bank issues credit notes at par with coin without limitation of amount [article 46 as maintained by the Emperor contains 17.424 parts of foreign gold]); 'Управляющий' (Manager); 'Кассир' (Cashier); Serial number: 'ДА 214368' (repeated); Date: '1898'. BACK SIDE: Large Cyrillic numeral '1' on left; Faded Russian text on right side (specific content not legible in provided images).

Intaglio engraving (steel plate engraving), the standard security printing method for Russian Imperial State Credit Notes of this period. The fine line work, intricate pattern detail, and the depth visible in the border designs are characteristic of high-quality intaglio production. The note exhibits the watermark effects and security features typical of Russian Imperial banknotes produced under strict state control, though the specific printer attribution cannot be definitively established without additional documentation.

This example is noted as bearing the signature of Mikheyev (Sig.Mikheyev per collector notation), representing one of the documented signature varieties for the 1898 1 Ruble State Credit Note Pick 1d(5). The serial number ДА 214368 is present on this specimen. Signature varieties of Russian Imperial notes are recognized by collectors but do not substantially elevate rarity for common denominations. The Pick 1d(5) designation itself indicates this is variety (5) within the d-series grouping, likely distinguished by signature or minor design characteristics from other contemporary 1898 1 Ruble issues.