25 rublei 1909
“Sig.Y.Metz”
About This Note
This is a striking example of a Russian Imperial 25 ruble banknote from 1909, graded VF, featuring the characteristic ornate baroque design aesthetic of the late Imperial period. The note displays excellent preservation with crisp printing, featuring a double-headed eagle on the obverse and a formal portrait of Tsar Alexander III on the reverse, surrounded by elaborate security engraving and imperial symbols. The peachy-pink and green color scheme combined with the intricate line work makes this a visually compelling example of Russian Imperial currency design.
common. Russian Imperial 25 ruble notes from 1909 were issued in substantial quantities by the State Bank as part of the regular circulating currency. While individual notes in VF condition are certainly desirable to collectors, this denomination and date combination was not subject to a short print run, was not recalled, and represents a standard issue from the Russian Empire's established monetary authority. The 1909 date falls within a period of normal peacetime circulation (prior to the disruptions of World War I), and these notes circulated widely. No specific scarcity factors are evident for Pick P-12a(10).
This 1909 State Credit Note was issued during the final years of Tsarist Russia under Nicholas II's reign, representing the Russian Empire's gold-backed currency system. The prominence of Tsar Alexander III's portrait on the reverse reflects the veneration of his predecessor, while the inscriptions referencing gold redemption and Imperial decree demonstrate the authority and stability the State Bank sought to project. These credit notes were backed by the gold standard, with explicit conversion rates printed on the note itself—a direct reflection of the pre-World War I international monetary order.
The obverse features a double-headed eagle—the coat of arms of the Russian Empire—positioned prominently on the left side, flanked by elaborate baroque scrollwork and ornamental flourishes characteristic of Imperial Russian security printing. The denomination '25' appears in decorative cartouches in opposing corners. The center and lower portion contain the full legal inscription regarding the State Bank's redemption obligations. The reverse displays a formal oval-framed portrait of Tsar Alexander III (1845-1894), depicted as a mature bearded man in full military dress uniform adorned with imperial decorations and medals. The portrait is surrounded by imperial eagles with crowns and laurel wreaths, emphasizing both military strength and Imperial legitimacy. The overall layout maintains strict bilateral symmetry typical of the period's design philosophy.
FRONT SIDE: Serial number 'ВИ 336305' (VI 336305); 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' (State Credit Bill/Note); 'ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' (Twenty-Five Rubles); 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ БАНК' (State Bank); 'РАЗМЕНИВАЕТ КРЕДИТНЫЕ БИЛЕТЫ НА ЗОЛОТО МОНЕТУ ПО ЭТОЙ ТАБЛИЦЕ СТОИМОСТИ БУМАГИ' (Exchanges Credit Bills for Gold Coin According to This Table of Paper Value); '1 РУБЛЬ = 1⅙ ИМПЕРIАЛА, СОДЕРЖАЩ. 17⅖ ДОЛИ ЧИСТОГО ЗОЛОТА' (1 Ruble = 1⅙ Imperial, Containing 17⅖ Parts Pure Gold); signature line designations 'Управляющий' (Managing Director) and 'Кассир' (Cashier). REVERSE SIDE: 'АЛЕКСАНДР III' (Alexander III) identifying the portrait; '25 РУБЛЕЙ' (25 Rubles); extended text regarding issuance authorization by State Credit Bank on the basis of Imperial Edict and approval throughout the territory of the State.
Steel engraving (intaglio/copperplate printing) executed by Russian Imperial Security Printers. The fine intricate line work, detailed engraving patterns, and complex multi-layered ornamental designs observed throughout both sides are hallmarks of high-security engraved banknote production. The precision of the portrait rendering and the complexity of the background patterns indicate work by master engravers. This printing technique was standard for Russian Imperial State Credit Notes and provided superior security features for the era.
The serial number 'ВИ 336305' indicates this specimen carries the 'ВИ' prefix designation. The signature lines for 'Управляющий' (Managing Director) and 'Кассир' (Cashier) would require comparison with known signature combinations and dates to establish the specific variety within the 1909 issue. The Pick catalog designation P-12a(10) suggests this is one of ten documented varieties or states of the 25 ruble 1909 note; precise identification would require cross-reference with detailed Russian Imperial currency catalogs to determine which of the ten recognized variants this specimen represents based on signature combinations, serial number prefixes, or minor design states.
