200 rublei 1917

Common. While these 1917 Provisional Government bonds are historically significant documents, they were issued in large quantities (20,000 series × 100 tickets per series = 2,000,000 individual tickets for the 200-ruble denomination alone, across multiple print runs for the full loan). Surviving examples in VF condition are not scarce in the collector market. These bonds circulated widely and many survived due to their paper quality and collectors' interest in Russian Revolution-era documents. No evidence of scarcity due to recall, destruction, or particularly limited print runs for this specific Pick number.

This bond was issued during the tumultuous period of the Russian Provisional Government (February-October 1917), specifically authorized by decree on August 11, 1917, as an internal financing mechanism during World War I. The classical allegorical imagery reflecting state authority and the 4½% interest rate with a 50-year maturity structure represented the government's attempt to stabilize finances amid revolutionary turmoil. The bond's terms, promising semi-annual coupon payments through 1928, were rendered largely meaningless by the Bolshevik Revolution in October 1917, making surviving examples historically significant artifacts of a failed financial system.

The note showcases classical allegorical imagery typical of early 20th-century Russian state securities. The front features a central circular vignette containing classical female figures representing state virtues or prosperity, accompanied by cherubs (putti) in an arrangement reminiscent of 19th-century European financial document design. The composition emphasizes legitimacy and grandeur through mythological representation. Ornate decorative borders with symmetrical scrollwork patterns frame all edges, incorporating corner cartouches with classical motifs. The denomination '200' appears in large, intricately designed numerals in both upper corners. The back consists entirely of detailed terms, conditions, and a structured table organizing prize draw information—a necessary component of lottery bonds where transparency regarding winning odds was legally required. The overall design demonstrates the high-quality engraving standards expected from state securities, with fine line work evident throughout and multiple text sizes creating visual hierarchy. The color scheme of brown/sepia, black, and cream tones reflects period printing practices and the natural aging of early 20th-century bond paper.

FRONT SIDE: Upper corners: '200' (denomination in Arabic numerals). Central inscription: 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ ВНУТРЕННИЙ 4½% ВЫИГРЫШНЫЙ ЗАЕМЬ 1917 ГОДА, выпущенный на основании постановления Временного Правительства от 11-го Августа 1917 года' (STATE INTERNAL 4½% PRIZE LOAN OF 1917, issued on the basis of the decision of the Provisional Government of August 11, 1917). Main text: 'ВЬ ДВЕСТИ РУБЛЕЙ НАРИЦАТЕЛЬНЫХЪ НА ПРЕДЪЯВИТЕЛЯ' (OF TWO HUNDRED RUBLES NOMINAL VALUE TO BEARER). Series designation: 'Серия номерь 2995' (Series number 2995). Ticket designation: 'Билет номерь 20' (Ticket number 20). Section: 'раздвядь третий' (Section Three). Terms describing registration in State Debt Book, 4½% annual interest, and semi-annual coupon payment dates (August 16 and February 16). Final coupon date: 'Сроком последнего купона 16 Февраля 1928 года' (Final coupon date February 16, 1928). Printer attribution: 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY'. BACK SIDE: Title repeated: 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ ВНУТРЕННИЙ 4½% ВЫИГРЫШНЫЙ ЗАЕМЬ 1917 ГОДА' (STATE INTERNAL 4½% PRIZE LOAN OF 1917). Detailed terms: 'выпускается отдельными разрядами по 400,000,000 рублей нарицательныхъ каждый' (issued in separate series of 400,000,000 rubles nominal each). Series structure: 'Разряды дѣлятся на 20,000 серий по 100 билетами' (Series are divided into 20,000 series of 100 tickets each). Prize draw specifications describing annual drawings over 50 years with prizes ranging from 300,000 rubles down to 400-600 rubles, detailing distribution of 141 prizes per draw totaling 2,438,000 rubles. Table header: 'Тираж' (Draw/Tier) and 'Количество выигрышей цехъ серий' (Quantity of wins per series). Conclusion: 'Всего 20,000 серий' (Total 20,000 series) and 'Течении пропентов треквращается со дни выхода билета в тиражъ' (Interest accrual begins from the date the ticket enters the draw).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), executed by the American Bank Note Company, the premier security printer of the era. The fine line work evident throughout the design, the intricate border patterns, and the complex interplay of text and imagery are characteristic of this method. The detailed table on the reverse demonstrates sophisticated typography integration with engraved elements. No evidence of photographic or lithographic processes; the design reflects classical intaglio security printing standards of 1917.

This example is identified as Pick S882(1), indicating it is the first variety of this 200-ruble denomination from the Irkutsk State Bank Branch issue. Varieties within this series may include: different series numbers (this note shows Series 2995), different section designations (this note is Section Three), different ticket numbers within series (this note is No. 20), and potentially different printer's marks or signatures by issuing authority officials. The Irkutsk provenance in the catalog suggests regional branch variations may exist. The American Bank Note Company imprint is consistent across examples. No evidence of overprints or post-printing modifications visible in this example.