1 rubel 1898
“Sig.Chikhirzin”
About This Note
This is an attractive example of the 1898 Russian State Credit Note (1 Ruble, Pick P-1d(9)), graded VF with excellent color preservation and sharp printing throughout. The note features ornate Art Nouveau-influenced design elements on both sides, including an elaborate circular medallion on the obverse and the Imperial double-headed eagle on the reverse, demonstrating the sophisticated security printing standards of late Tsarist Russia. Signed by Chikhirzin, this note represents an important early issue from the Russian Empire's state credit system.
Common. The 1898 1 Ruble State Credit Note (P-1d variety) was produced in substantial quantities as a standard circulation note of the Russian Empire. No specific information indicates limited print runs, recalls, or short-lived issue periods for this Pick number. Notes of this type and era routinely appear in the numismatic market in various condition grades, suggesting healthy original circulation numbers. The VF grade and Chikhirzin signature may appeal to specialized collectors of Russian Imperial currency, but do not materially enhance rarity.
Issued in 1898, this State Credit Note represents the Russian Empire's monetary system during the reign of Tsar Nicholas II, backed by the promise of gold coin redemption as stated in the reverse inscriptions. The prominent display of the Imperial double-headed eagle and decorative heraldic elements reinforces the autocratic authority issuing the currency during a period of relative economic stability before the tumultuous early 20th century revolutions. The ornamental design reflects the artistic standards of Russian fin-de-siècle printing, incorporating elaborate geometric and floral patterns characteristic of the era's official documents.
The obverse features a sophisticated ornamental design dominated by a large circular medallion with radiating geometric and scrollwork patterns in the center, flanked by vertical inscriptions identifying this as a State Credit Note of 1 Ruble dated 1898. The decorative scheme employs Celtic knot patterns and elaborate floral motifs in a tan and blue color scheme, with a rectangular denomination panel below the central medallion. The reverse displays the Russian Imperial coat of arms—a detailed double-headed eagle with crown—within an ornamental circular border, surrounded by additional decorative geometric and floral borders. Substantial legal text is positioned to the right of the heraldic emblem, printed in brown and beige tones. The overall design exemplifies the security printing standards of the Russian State Bank, combining artistic elegance with complexity intended to prevent counterfeiting.
{"front":[{"original":"ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ","translation":"State Credit"},{"original":"1 РУБЛЬ","translation":"1 Ruble"},{"original":"1898","translation":"1898"},{"original":"ОДНОГО РУБЛЯ","translation":"Of One Ruble"}],"back":[{"original":"РУБЛЬ","translation":"Ruble"},{"original":"1. Разлика государственных кредитных билетов на золоту монету обеспечивается всеми государственных государства.","translation":"1. The convertibility of state credit notes into gold coins is guaranteed by all the resources of the state."},{"original":"2. Государственные кредитные билеты, ходящие в России, могут быть обмениваны на золотую монету в казначействе и золотом монетном.","translation":"2. State credit notes in circulation in Russia may be exchanged for gold coins at the State Treasury and the Gold Mint."},{"original":"3. За подложку кредитных билетов виновные подвергаются законному возмездию в соответствию рабочу.","translation":"3. For counterfeiting of credit notes, the guilty are subject to legal punishment in accordance with the law."}]}
Intaglio printing (engraved plate printing), which was the standard for Russian state banknotes of this period. The intricate detail visible in the ornamental patterns, geometric designs, and heraldic elements, combined with the sharp impression quality observed in the VF-condition note, is characteristic of high-quality intaglio production. The multi-color printing in distinct color zones (blue/tan on obverse, brown/beige on reverse) suggests the use of multiple engraved plates. This note was likely produced by the Russian State Bank's printing facility or contracted security printers authorized by the Russian Empire.
This note is identified as Pick P-1d(9), indicating it belongs to the ninth documented variety or issue of this design type. The signature of Chikhirzin (identifiable in catalog notation) represents an administrative or official signature variety. The 1898 date and State Credit designation are consistent with the early issues of this series. Without serial number details or additional overprint information visible in the provided analysis, specific serial number prefix varieties cannot be further delineated, though such prefixes may exist as cataloged distinctions within the P-1d series.
