10 rublei 1909

Common. The 1909 10 Rublei notes were produced in substantial quantities for general circulation throughout the Russian Empire and remained in use for several years. While individual specimens in AU condition represent above-average preservation, the denomination and series itself are not scarce. No historical evidence indicates limited print runs or special scarcity for the Pick 11c variety. Notes from this standard State Credit series appear regularly in dealer inventories and auction offerings at moderate price points.

This 1909 note was issued during the twilight of the Russian Empire under the State Credit Note system, which guaranteed redemption in gold coin as prominently stated on the reverse. The double-headed imperial eagle coat of arms and allegorical figures flanking the denomination symbolized imperial authority and state backing. The explicit legal warnings against counterfeiting and harsh penalties printed on the reverse reflect the serious measures taken to maintain monetary stability in the final decades before the 1917 Revolution.

The obverse (front) features a symmetrical Art Nouveau-influenced composition with two allegorical female winged figures (representing abstract virtues or state authority) positioned on either side of a central Imperial Russian coat of arms—the distinctive double-headed eagle crowned with Orthodox cross symbols. Large ornamental circular medallions containing the numeral '10' flank the composition at left and right. The border consists of elaborate rococo-style scrollwork with floral wreaths and garland elements. The reverse displays purely ornamental design elements without portraiture, featuring ornate rococo cartouches containing the legal text and monetary guarantee statements. The pink and cream color scheme with black engraved details creates strong visual hierarchy and security through complexity of the line work.

FRONT SIDE: Serial Number: ДЦ591969 | Государственный Кредитный Билет (State Credit Note) | 1909г. (1909) | РУБЛИ (Rubles) | 10 (Denomination) | Кассир (Cashier) | BACK SIDE: Размен Государственных Кредитных Билетов на Золотую Монету Обеспечивается всем Достоянием Государства (The exchange of State Credit Notes for Gold Coin is guaranteed by all property 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 equal to gold coin) | 3. За поддельку Кредитных Билетов виновные подвергаются лишению всех Прав состояния и ссылке на каторжную работу (3. For counterfeiting Credit Notes the guilty are subjected to deprivation of all rights of status and exile to hard labor) | 10 РУБ. 10 (10 Rubles 10)

This note was produced using intaglio engraving (steel plate engraving) combined with multi-color letterpress printing, a standard security technique for Russian Imperial State Credit Notes of this period. The fine line work visible throughout, particularly in the ornamental borders and facial details of the allegorical figures, is characteristic of the highest-quality engraving work. The Russian Imperial Government Printing Office (Государственная Экспедиция Заготовления Государственных Бумаг) or contracted security printers such as Giesecke & Devrient handled production of these notes, though specific printer attribution for this variety would require additional documentation beyond Pick catalog designation.

This specific example is identified as Pick 11c(15), indicating it is variant 15 within the 11c classification. The signature of Chikhirzin (Чихирзин) as Cashier (Кассир) and the serial number prefix ДЦ are distinguishing features. Multiple signature varieties exist for the 1909 10 Rublei series, with different cashiers authorizing batches of notes. Serial number prefixes and signature combinations define the specific varieties within this Pick number designation. The AU condition and clear legibility of all identifying marks make this a representative high-grade example of the cataloged variety.