10 rublei 1909
“Sig.Mikheyev”
About This Note
A handsome example of the 1909 Russian 10 Rublei state credit note (Pick P-11b) featuring the iconic double-headed imperial eagle and cherub motifs characteristic of late Tsarist currency. The note displays excellent preservation with crisp engraving, cream and rose coloring, and no significant wear, suggesting minimal circulation. The ornate baroque design and gold-exchange guarantee text reflect the note's role in Russia's gold standard monetary system during the final years of the Empire.
Common. The 1909 Russian 10 Rublei notes of the Imperial series were issued in significant quantities and remain relatively abundant on the numismatic market. While these notes are historically significant and aesthetically pleasing, they are not scarce in the collector market. Examples in VF condition such as this specimen are regularly available at modest prices, typically in the $15–40 range depending on specific variety and dealer markup. No evidence of limited print runs, recalls, or supply constraints affects this issue.
Issued during the reign of Tsar Nicholas II, this 1909 credit note represents the Russian Empire's commitment to the gold standard, as evidenced by the prominent text guaranteeing exchange for gold coins 'without limit of amount.' The crowned double-headed eagle and imperial coat of arms underscored the Romanov dynasty's authority, while the elaborate engraving and security features reflected contemporary anti-counterfeiting concerns during a period of significant economic and political tension in pre-revolutionary Russia.
The front features a symmetrical, highly ornamental design dominated by the Imperial Russian State Emblem—a crowned double-headed eagle within an ornate shield at center top. Flanking this heraldic centerpiece are two winged cherub figures (putti), classical symbols of authority and divine blessing. Large circular medallions containing the numeral '10' occupy positions on either side of the coat of arms. The design is elaborated with grape vine bunches in the lower corners and extensive acanthus leaf and floral scrollwork throughout, typical of Russian imperial baroque aesthetics. The reverse presents an even more ornamental composition, with a large rectangular cartouche dominating the center, framed by complex baroque acanthus scrollwork and corner floral motifs. The legal text guaranteeing gold exchange and penalties for counterfeiting is engraved within this central cartouche. Four corner squares each display the denomination '10,' reinforcing the note's value. The color scheme of cream with rose/pink borders and black engraving is consistent throughout both sides.
FRONT: Serial number ГГ.860837 (GG.860837); ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ (State Credit Note); 10 ДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ (10 Ten Rubles); ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ БАНК РАЗМЕНИВАЕТ КРЕДИТНЫЕ БИЛЕТЫ НА ЗОЛОТУЮ МОНЕТУ БЕЗ ОГРАНИЧЕНИЙ СУММЫ (The State Bank exchanges credit notes for gold coins without limit of amount); С ИЮЛЯ 1-го ПО АПРЕЛЬ 17, 324 ДНЕЙ (СЧЁТ НА ЗОЛОТО) (From July 1st through April 17, 324 days—gold count); Кассир (Cashier); УПОЛНОМОЩЕН (Authorized); 1909. BACK: 1. РАЗМЕННЫЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫХ КРЕДИТНЫХ БИЛЕТОВ НА ЗОЛОТУЮ МОНЕТУ ОБЕСПЕЧИВАЕТСЯ ВСЕМ ДОСТОЯНИЕМ ГОСУДАРСТВА. ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЕ КРЕДИТНЫЕ БИЛЕТЫ ИМЕЮТ ХОЖДЕНИЕ ВО ВСЕЙ ИМПЕРИИ НАРАВНЕ С ЗОЛОТОЮ МОНЕТОЮ. 3. ЗА ПОДДЕЛКУ КРЕДИТНЫХ БИЛЕТОВ ВИНОВНЫЕ ПОДВЕРГАЮТСЯ ЛИШЕ. ВСЕ ПРАВА ДО СТОЯНИЯ И ССЫЛКЕ БА КАТОРЖНАГО. РАБОТУ. (1. The exchange of State credit notes for gold coins is guaranteed by all the wealth of the State. State credit notes circulate throughout the entire Empire equal to gold coins. 3. For counterfeiting credit notes, the guilty are subject to punishment, loss of all rights, exile, and hard labor); 10·РУБ·10 (10 Rubles 10).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), the standard security printing method for Russian Imperial banknotes of this period. The crisp, detailed reproduction of fine lines, the precise rendering of ornamental scrollwork, and the uniform ink saturation visible across both sides confirm traditional engraved plate printing. The Russian State Printing Works (Государственная Экспедиция Заготовления Государственных Бумаг—State Expedition for the Production of State Paper) produced notes of the 1909 series using this technique, which provided excellent security through the difficulty of reproducing such fine detail.
This example bears the serial number ГГ.860837, indicating the GG prefix series common to 1909 Imperial Russian credit notes. The signature designation 'Sig. Mikheyev' references the authorized official (likely a State Bank cashier or similar officer) whose endorsement appears on the note. The 1909 date and the absence of any overprints or surcharges indicate this is an unmodified example of the standard 1909 issue. Varieties of this Pick number can be distinguished by signature changes and serial number prefixes; Mikheyev signatures are a recognized variety within the broader 1909 series.
