1 rubel 1898
“Sig.Ovtsinnikov”
About This Note
This 1898 Russian Imperial State Credit Note for 1 Ruble (Pick P-1d(7)) presents a well-preserved example of late 19th-century Russian financial design, graded VF. The note displays the characteristic ornate architectural framing with paired Imperial double-headed eagles in decorative circular medallions, rendered in tan and blue-gray tones with exceptional fine-line engraving detail. The reverse showcases a commanding central eagle coat of arms within an ornamental circular frame, exemplifying the high-quality security printing standards of the Russian State Bank during the gold-standard era.
Common. The 1 Ruble denomination from 1898 was issued in substantial quantities by the Russian State Bank as part of the standard circulating currency. No evidence exists of limited print runs, recalls, or short-lived issuing authority for this Pick number. Notes from this series regularly appear in the collector market and auction venues, typically in price ranges accessible to general collectors. The VF condition grade, while better than average circulated examples, does not elevate this to rarity status given the large surviving population of this standard-issue note.
Issued during the reign of Tsar Nicholas II, this 1 Ruble note represents the Russian Empire's modernized credit banking system following the monetary reforms of 1897. The note explicitly declares its convertibility to gold coin (specifically stating equivalence to 1/6 of an Imperial containing 17.42+ parts pure gold), reflecting Russia's adherence to the gold standard. The prominent Imperial double-headed eagles and official State Bank inscriptions ('ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' - State Credit Ticket) symbolize the centralized financial authority and imperial sovereignty during the final decades of Tsarist rule.
The obverse features a symmetrical classical architectural design with ornate Corinthian columns flanking a central text panel describing the note's monetary backing. Twin Imperial double-headed eagles, each wearing a crown and displaying full heraldic regalia (scepter and orb), occupy circular medallions positioned left and right of center. The eagles are rendered in the formal style typical of Russian state seals of this period. Decorative corner elements include stylized urns and geometric cross motifs. The reverse presents a dominant central coat of arms—the Russian Imperial double-headed eagle with multiple shield sections on its body, crowned and surrounded by elaborate scrollwork and botanical leaf-pattern framing. The entire design is executed in fine geometric and linear patterns serving as anti-counterfeiting measures. The color scheme of tan, beige, and blue-gray tones was standard for Russian credit notes of this denomination and period.
FRONT SIDE: 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' (State Credit Ticket); 'ОДИНЪ РУБЛЬ' (One Ruble); 'Государственный Банк размывывает кредитные билеты на золотую монету без ограничения суммы (1) = 1/6 империала, содержать 17,42+ долей чистого золота' (The State Bank issues credit notes for gold coin without limit of sum (1) = 1/6 of an Imperial, containing 17.42+ parts of pure gold); 'Управляющий' (Managing Director); 'Кассир' (Cashier); Serial number 'РЦ 769239'; Date '1898'. BACK SIDE: 'РУБЛЬ' (Ruble); Extended legal text regarding the determination of state credit note values by State Council decree and the backing of notes by state property and gold reserves.
Steel engraving (intaglio/taille-douce), the standard method for Russian Imperial banknotes of this era. The exceptional fine-line detail visible in the geometric background patterns, ornamental borders, and the intricate eagle renderings confirms the use of master engraving plates. The multiple layers of fine line work and precise decorative elements were produced by the Russian State Bank's official security printing facilities. This period predates modern security features, relying instead on the technical difficulty of reproducing high-quality engraved designs.
This example is cataloged as Pick P-1d(7), indicating it represents the seventh known variety within the P-1d classification system for Russian 1 Ruble notes. The signature line shows 'Sig. Ovtsinnikov' per the collector notes, which would be a signature variety identifier. Variations in this series are typically distinguished by differences in signatures of the Managing Director (Управляющий) and Cashier (Кассир), printer marks, and serial number prefixes. The serial number 'РЦ 769239' visible on both sides helps identify the specific printing batch. Researchers cataloging Russian Imperial notes have identified multiple signature combinations for this denomination and date, making signature varieties a primary classification criterion for specialists.
