25 rublei 1909

Common. The 1909 25 ruble note (Pick 12b) was produced in substantial quantities during the final years of the Imperial system and survives in moderate to good numbers in the collector market. EF-grade examples are frequently available at modest prices ($25-$75 range typically), indicating healthy supply relative to collector demand. No specific print run restrictions, recall issues, or short-term issuing authority factors apply to this note that would elevate its rarity status.

This banknote was issued during the reign of Nicholas II by the Russian State Bank, representing the gold-standard currency system of the late Imperial period. The denomination explicitly references the gold standard backing (1 ruble = 1/15 of an Imperial gold coin), reflecting the monetary stability mechanisms of Tsarist Russia before the 1917 Revolution. The prominent depiction of Alexander III, Nicholas II's father and predecessor, underscores the continuity of Imperial authority and legitimacy in the state's financial instruments during this final decade of Romanov rule.

The 25 ruble note features a symmetrical, ornate design characteristic of early-20th-century Russian Imperial currency. The obverse (front) is dominated by the Imperial Russian double-headed eagle coat of arms positioned on the left side, with the denomination '25' prominently displayed in large decorative circular frames in the center. The reverse (back) showcases a formal portrait of Tsar Alexander III (reigned 1881-1894), depicted in full military dress uniform with epaulettes, imperial decorations, and military medals across his chest, positioned within an elaborate baroque cartouche with ornamental scrollwork. The design employs a two-color printing scheme with rose/pink as the dominant color on the left portions of both sides, transitioning to cream and beige tones on the right. Laurel wreaths and intricate filigree patterns frame the central elements, while fine parallel lines and complex background patterns serve as anti-counterfeiting measures.

FRONT SIDE: 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' (State Credit Note) | 'ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' (Twenty-five Rubles) | 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ БАНК' (State Bank) | 'НА ЗОЛОТУЮ МОНЕТУ БЕЗ ОГРАНИЧЕНИЯ СУММЫ (1 РУБЛЬ = 1/15 ИМПЕРИАЛА, СОДЕРЖАТЬ 17.424 ДОЛЕЙ ЧИСТОГО ЗОЛОТА)' (For gold coin without limit of sum; 1 ruble = 1/15 Imperial, containing 17.424 parts pure gold) | '1909' (year) | 'Управляющий' (Manager - signature line) | 'Кассир' (Cashier - signature line) | Serial number: 'ДН 329702' (appears twice). BACK SIDE: 'РУБЛЕЙ' (Rubles) | 'АЛЕКСАНДР III' (Alexander III).

Intaglio engraving (copperplate printing), the standard security printing technique for Imperial Russian banknotes of this period. The intricate line work, portrait detail, and fine decorative background patterns visible throughout are characteristic of high-quality intaglio production. Multiple color printing was employed using separate plates for the pink/rose and green color elements. The Russian State Bank utilized the Imperial Printing Works (Государственная Экспедиция Заготовления Государственных Бумаг) for production of this denomination during the 1909 series.

This specimen is identified as Pick 12b(1), denoting the primary variety of the 1909 25 ruble design. The signature line labeled 'Афанасев' (Afanasev) in the collector notes refers to the manager signature, likely Sergei Afanasev who held an administrative position at the Russian State Bank during this period. Serial number ДН 329702 suggests this note was from a mid-range production batch. Varieties of this Pick number primarily differentiate by signature combinations (manager and cashier signatures varied throughout the print run) and serial number prefixes; the 'ДН' prefix is standard for this series.