10 rublei 1909

common. While this specific Pick number (P-11c(13)) with the Sofronov signature represents one particular signature variety of the 1909 10 rublei issue, the denomination and series were produced in substantial quantities by the Russian Imperial State Printing Works. Despite the historical significance and attractive design, these notes survive in considerable numbers and trade regularly on the numismatic market. The AU condition grade, while desirable, does not materially increase rarity given the widespread survival of uncirculated examples from imperial Russian currency issues.

Issued during the final years of the Russian Empire under Tsar Nicholas II, this 1909 credit note represents the State's monetary authority backed by gold reserves and all state resources, as explicitly stated on the reverse. The imperial coat of arms and the protective text warning of severe penalties for counterfeiting (including hard labor) reflect the political authority and security concerns of the late imperial period. The note's declaration that State Credit Notes circulate 'on equal terms with gold coins' throughout the entire Empire underscores the monetary reforms and financial stability policies attempted in the early 20th century before the revolutionary upheaval.

The obverse features a centrally-positioned imperial coat of arms—the double-headed eagle holding scepter and orb beneath a crown—enclosed within an ornamental shield cartouche. Flanking this are two allegorical female figures with wings (representing Victory, Justice, or State authority in classical imperial iconography), each holding wreaths or laurel branches symbolizing legitimacy and prosperity. Large decorative circular medallions containing the numeral '10' appear symmetrically on the left and right margins. The entire design is rendered in an elaborate Baroque-influenced style with intricate scrollwork, botanical flourishes, and fine cross-hatching throughout the pink/rose field. The reverse maintains this ornamental aesthetic with baroque corner cartouches and floral ornaments framing three essential legal proclamations regarding the note's gold backing, circulation authority, and counterfeiting penalties. The cream/pale yellow reverse contrasts elegantly with the pink obverse, creating visual distinction between sides while maintaining unified imperial aesthetic principles.

FRONT SIDE: 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' (State Credit Note); '1909 ГОД' (Year 1909); '10 РУБЛЕЙ' (10 Rubles); '10' (denomination in decorative medallions); Serial number 'АН 162223↑' (top left and bottom right); 'ИМПЕРИЯ' (Empire). BACK SIDE: '1. РАЗМЕНА ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫХ КРЕДИТНЫХ БИЛЕТОВ НА ЗОЛОТУЮ МОНЕТУ ОБЕСПЕЧИВАЕТСЯ ВСЕМ ДОСТОЯНИЕМ ГОСУДАРСТВА' (1. The exchange of State Credit Notes for gold coin is secured by all the resources of the State); '2. ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЕ КРЕДИТНЫЕ БИЛЕТЫ ИМЕЮТ ХОЖДЕНИЕ ВО ВСЕЙ ИМПЕРИИ НАРАВНЕ С ЗОЛОТОЮ МОНЕТОЮ' (2. State Credit Notes circulate throughout the entire Empire on equal terms with gold coins); '3. ЗА ПОДДЕЛЬКУ КРЕДИТНЫХ БИЛЕТОВ ВИНОВНЫЕ ПОДВЕРГАЮТСЯ ЛИШЕНИЮ ВСЕХ ПРАВ СОСТОЯНИЯ И ССЫЛКИ ПО КАТОРЖНУЮ РАБОТУ' (3. For counterfeiting Credit Notes, guilty parties are subject to deprivation of all rights of estate and exile to hard labor); '10 РУБ 10' (10 Rubles 10).

Steel engraving (intaglio printing) on high-quality paper, characteristic of the St. Petersburg State Printing Works (Ekspeditsiia Zagotovleniia Gosudarstvennykh Bumag), the official printer for Russian Imperial banknotes. The fine line work, cross-hatching, stippled effects, and intricate decorative elements visible throughout are hallmarks of hand-engraved security printing from this era. The sharp clarity and dimensional quality of impressions observable in this AU specimen demonstrate the high standard of Russian imperial currency production.

This specimen is identified as Pick P-11c(13), indicating it is a specific signature variety of the 1909 10 rublei State Credit Note. The signature of Sofronov (Sig. Sofronov noted in collector notes) identifies this particular variety. The serial number prefix 'АН' (transliterated as AN) and the serial number 162223 are typical of the standard circulation series. The 1909 date appears on the obverse. No overprints, stamps, or emergency markings are evident, indicating this is an unmodified specimen from normal circulation channels of the late imperial period.