10 rublei 1909
“Sig.Y.Metz”
About This Note
This is a VF-grade example of the Russian Empire's 10 rublei credit note from 1909, featuring the characteristic pink/rose and cream color scheme with elaborate baroque ornamentation typical of Imperial Russian currency. The note displays a vertical fold line and light foxing consistent with circulation during the early 20th century, yet remains well-preserved with legible text and intact security features. The presence of dual allegorical winged figures and the ornate double-headed eagle cartouche exemplify the imperial prestige embedded in these State Credit Notes.
Common. The 10 rublei denomination from 1909 was issued in substantial quantities as the workhorse denomination of Russian imperial commerce. No evidence suggests limited print runs, recalls, or circulation withdrawal for this Pick number. The VF condition grade is typical for notes from this era that saw moderate circulation before the Russian Revolution disrupted currency systems. These notes remain readily available to collectors in various grade levels at modest prices.
Issued during the reign of Tsar Nicholas II, this 10 rublei note represents the Russian Empire's gold-backed currency system established under the 1897 monetary reform. The inscriptions prominently guarantee exchange for gold coins and declare the note's legal status throughout the empire, reflecting confidence in the Imperial State Bank's backing. The baroque imperial aesthetic and formal legal declarations on the reverse underscore the authority and continuity of Russian state finances in the final decade before the 1917 revolution.
The note employs a symmetrical classical design anchored by allegorical female figures representing State and Commerce positioned on the left and right sides respectively, rendered as winged classical nymphs typical of Imperial Russian iconography. The central upper cartouche contains the Imperial Russian coat of arms—the double-headed eagle crowned and with scepter and orb—symbolizing autocratic authority. Flanking this central motif are two large circular medallions containing the numeral '10,' serving both decorative and functional purposes in denomination identification. The design incorporates extensive baroque scrollwork, acanthus leaf ornaments, and grape vine clusters in the lower corners, creating an intricate layered aesthetic that functioned as security against counterfeiting. The color scheme of pink/rose borders with cream central field and black engraved detail creates strong visual hierarchy characteristic of State Credit Notes from this period.
FRONT SIDE: 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' (State Credit Note) / 'ДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' (Ten Roubles) / 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ БАНК РАЗМЕНИВАЕТСЯ КРЕДИТНЫЕ БИЛЕТЫ НА ЗОЛОТУЮ МОНЕТУ БЕЗ ОГРАНИЧЕНИЯ СУММЫ З.' (The State Bank exchanges credit notes for gold coins without limit) / '(1 РУБЛЬ = 1/15 ИМПЕРИАЛА, СОДЕРЖИТ 17,424 ДОЛЕЙ ЧИСТОГО ЗОЛОТА)' (1 rouble = 1/15 imperial, contains 17.424 parts pure gold) / Serial number: 'BF 546746' / Date: '1909' / 'Справляющий Кассиръ' (Acting Cashier) // BACK SIDE: '1. РАЗМЕН ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫХ КРЕДИТНЫХ БИЛЕТОВ НА ЗОЛОТУЮ МОНЕТУ ОБЕСПЕЧИВАЕТСЯ ВСЕМ ДОСТОЯНИЕМ ГОСУДАРСТВА.' (The exchange of state credit notes for gold coins is guaranteed by all property of the state) / '2. ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЕ КРЕДИТНЫЕ БИЛЕТЫ ИМЕЮТ ХОЖДЕНИЕ ВО ВСЕЙ ИМПЕРИИ НАРАВНЕ СО ЗОЛОТОЮ МОНЕТОЮ.' (State credit notes circulate throughout the entire empire on equal terms with gold coins) / '3. ЗА ПОДДЕРЖКУ КРЕДИТНЫХ БИЛЕТОВ ВИНӨВНЫЕ ПОДВЕРГАЮТСЯ ЛИШЬ НИ ВСЕХ ПРАВ ПО СТОЯНИЮ И БЫЛЬК НА НАЦИОНАЛЬНУ РАБОТУ.' (Legal conditions regarding support and circulation of credit notes—text partially unclear in image) / Denomination marking: '10 РУБ 10' (10 rouble 10)
Intaglio engraving (copperplate) on single-color base with subsequent color printing. The fine line work, detailed scrollwork, and security features visible throughout indicate the work of Russian Imperial State Printing Office, with the complex multi-layered decorative design serving dual aesthetic and anti-counterfeiting purposes. The precise registration of the pink border against the cream field and black engraved text indicates sophisticated multi-pass printing technology available to state printers in early 1900s Russia.
Pick 11b(9) designation indicates this is the ninth identified variety of the 1909 10 rublei issue. Varieties for this type are typically distinguished by signature combinations (Acting Cashier signatures) and serial number prefixes. The 'BF' serial prefix visible on this example should be noted for variety cataloging. The signature block showing 'Справляющий Кассиръ' (Acting Cashier) position indicates this is from the period of acting officials managing Imperial State Bank functions. Collector attribution to 'Sig.Y.Metz' suggests prior provenance documentation in a notable collection.
