25 rublei 1909

Common. The 25 ruble note from the 1909 series was part of standard circulation stock issued in substantial quantities throughout the Russian Empire during this period. While individual Imperial Russian banknotes in this denomination and era are readily available on the numismatic market, this particular specimen's VF condition suggests moderate circulation, and examples survive in notable quantities. No evidence indicates an exceptionally limited print run or early recall of this specific Pick variety.

Issued during the final decades of the Russian Empire under the gold standard system established by Finance Minister Sergei Witte, this 25 ruble note represents the State Credit Note program authorized by the 1885 and 1897 credit note regulations. The prominent portrait of Alexander III (1881-1894) and the explicit statement that notes were exchangeable for gold without limit reflect the Empire's commitment to monetary stability in the pre-Revolutionary period, a policy that would be fundamentally altered by the tumultuous events of 1917.

The obverse features the Russian Imperial Double-headed Eagle coat of arms at top left, flanked by ornate decorative circular frames containing the denomination numeral '25' in both lower left and upper right. The center displays the official designation 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' with denomination text and gold backing specifications. Two signature lines appear near the center-bottom, labeled 'Управляющий' (Manager) and 'Кассиру' (Cashier). The reverse showcases a formal three-quarter facing portrait of Emperor Alexander III dressed in military uniform with medals and insignia, positioned within an elaborate oval medallion frame adorned with ornate scrollwork, imperial crowns, and flanking laurel wreaths. The Imperial Double-headed Eagle with crown appears at top center-left. The background utilizes fine line pattern work for security and aesthetic effect, with the color scheme transitioning from pink on the left side to pale green on the right, creating a distinctive visual presentation characteristic of late Imperial Russian currency.

FRONT: 'ВН 446766' (Serial number ВН 446766) | 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' (State Credit Note) | 'ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' (Twenty-Five Rubles) | 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ БАНК РАЗМЕНИВАЁТ КРЕДИТНЫЕ БИЛЕТЫ НА ЗОЛОТУЮ МОНЕТУ БЕЗ ОГРАНИЧЕНИЯ СУММЫ (1 РУБЛЬ = 1/15 ИМПЕРИАЛА, СОДЕРЖАТЬ 17, 424 ДОЛЕЙ ЧИСТОГО ЗОЛОТА)' (The State Bank exchanges credit notes for gold coins without limit of amount (1 ruble = 1/15 of an Imperial, containing 17.424 parts of pure gold)) | '1909' (Year) | '25' (Denomination). BACK: 'АЛЕКСАНДР III' (Alexander III) | 'РУБЛЕЙ' (Rubles) | Legal text regarding issuance under the Regulations of December 30, 1885 and August 31, 1897, state bank gold exchange provisions in all branches, and prohibition against counterfeiting with criminal penalties as prescribed by law.

Steel engraving and intaglio printing, the standard security printing method for Russian Imperial banknotes of this period. The intricate line work, fine filigree patterns, and complex portrait detailing visible throughout are characteristic of high-security intaglio production. Based on the Pick catalog designation and historical records, these notes were produced by the State Printing Works (Государственная Экспедиция Заготовления Государственных Бумаг) or under contract with specialist security printers contracted by the Russian State Bank.

This note is designated Pick P-12a(22), indicating it represents variety 22 within the P-12a classification for 1909 Russian 25 ruble notes. The serial number 'ВН 446766' with Cyrillic prefix suggests a specific printing batch. The note bears two signatures in the designated spaces (Управляющий and Кассиру positions), though the specific identity of signatories would require expert examination. The 1909 date is consistent with the main emission period of this series. No evidence of overprints or watermark variants is apparent from the visual analysis, suggesting this is a standard circulation issue of the main 1909 type.