1000 rublei 1917
Market Prices
64 salesAbout This Note
This is a pristine example of Russia's 1000 Rublei note issued by the Provisional Government in 1917 (Pick-37), graded AU. The obverse features an elegant monochromatic green design with ornate Greek key borders and denomination numerals in all corners, while the reverse displays a striking multicolored composition centered on the State Duma building with classical columns and dome, rendered in blue, red, green, and tan. The sharp engraving, crisp color registration, and complete absence of wear make this an exceptional specimen of early Soviet-era currency that exemplifies the transitional monetary system between Imperial and Soviet Russia.
Common. The eBay sales data provided shows consistent, regular transaction activity spanning over a decade (2012-2025) with numerous examples trading at modest prices ($0.99 to $104.50), indicating robust supply in the collector market. Most examples sell in the VF to EF range for $3-$10, with AU and higher grades commanding premiums but still well within typical pricing for common notes. The catalog value of $25 for UNC reflects standard market assessment. No indication of scarcity based on historical print runs or the Provisional Government's monetary policies.
This note was issued during the Russian Provisional Government's brief tenure in 1917, following the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and preceding the Bolshevik Revolution. The State Duma building depicted on the reverse symbolizes the democratic aspirations of the Provisional Government, while the gold standard backing promise on the obverse reflects the government's attempt to maintain financial stability during revolutionary upheaval. The note's design represents a critical moment when Russia sought to establish constitutional governance before the Communist takeover.
The obverse features a classical banknote layout with the denomination numerals '1000' positioned in all four corners, rendered in an elegant serif typeface. The center dominates with the bold Cyrillic heading 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' (State Credit Note) flanked by ornamental scrollwork. Below this is the redemption guarantee text describing the note's backing in gold. Fine line engraving creates intricate Greek key border patterns and decorative elements throughout. The reverse showcases the architectural centerpiece—the Russian State Duma building rendered in classical style with prominent dome, flanked by columns, enclosed within an ornate oval medallion. Above the building sits a radiant sun or light source symbolizing enlightenment and democratic governance. Elaborate decorative wreaths and geometric border patterns in multicolor printing frame the composition, with '1000' and 'РУБЛЕЙ' (Rubles) denominations positioned in the corners and center.
OBVERSE: 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' (State Credit Note); 'ТЫСЯЧА РУБЛЕЙ' (One Thousand Rubles); 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ БАНК РАЗМЕНИВАЕТ КРЕДИТНЫЕ БИЛЕТЫ НА ЗОЛОТУЮ МОНЕТУ БЕЗ ОГРАНИЧЕНИЯ СУММЫ' (The State Bank exchanges credit notes for gold coins without limit); '1 РУБЛЬ = ДУ ИМПЕРИАЛА, СОДЕРЖИТ 17,424 ДОЛИ ЧИСТАГО ЗОЛОТА' (1 Ruble = of Imperial, containing 17.424 parts of pure gold); 'Справляющий' (Acting Official); 'Кассир' (Cashier); 'ПОДДАЛКА КРЕДИТНЫХ БИЛЕТОВ ПРЕСЛЕДУЕТСЯ ЗАКОНОМ' (Counterfeiting of credit notes is prosecuted by law); Serial number 'ГУ 181219'; Date '1917'. REVERSE: 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННАЯ ДУМА' (State Duma); 'РУБЛЕЙ' (Rubles) repeated; Denomination '1000' displayed in multiple locations.
This note was produced using intaglio engraving (line engraving/copperplate printing), evidenced by the crisp, precise fine line work visible throughout the design, the sharp detail in the ornamental borders, and the complex layering seen on the reverse. The multicolor reverse printing demonstrates sophisticated color registration typical of Russian State Bank security printers of the period. The front's monochromatic green scheme and the back's multicolor composition (blue, red, green, tan) indicate separation of printing plates. No overprints or additional security printing are evident.
Per the catalog reference, this Pick-37 issue exhibits 5 signature varieties. The observed specimen shows signature lines for 'Справляющий' (Acting Official) and 'Кассир' (Cashier) officials. The serial number format 'ГУ 181219' suggests a standard issue serial from the 1917 production run. No overprints, color varieties, or printing anomalies are visible in this example. The note represents the regular issue from 1917 without any documented special varieties or rare characteristics in this grade.
