25 rublei 1909

Common. The 25 rublei 1909 denomination under Pick-12b represents a standard issue from the later Imperial period with substantial circulation. While all Imperial-era notes show age-related wear, this particular denomination was printed in significant quantities to meet economic demands of the period. The VF condition grade and signature notation ('Sig. Morozov') suggests collector provenance but does not indicate exceptional rarity. No evidence of limited print runs, recall status, or short-term issuance exists for this Pick number.

This note was issued during the reign of Tsar Nicholas II (1894-1917), depicting his father Alexander III (reigned 1881-1894), reflecting the Imperial tradition of honoring deceased monarchs on currency. The inscription promising gold redemption without limit reflects Russia's adherence to the gold standard during this period, a monetary policy that would become untenable during World War I. The 1909 date places this note in the relatively stable years of the Russian Empire before the revolutionary upheavals of 1917.

The 25 rublei features a striking dual-composition design typical of Imperial Russian currency. The obverse showcases the Russian Imperial coat of arms (double-headed eagle with crown) centered between ornate decorative frames containing the denomination '25' in both top-right and bottom-left corners, with a sophisticated geometric pattern background in light pink and beige. The reverse presents the portrait of Tsar Alexander III (reigned 1881-1894), depicted as a bearded military figure wearing formal imperial military dress uniform adorned with medals and decorations. The portrait is framed by an ornate circular border with a crown positioned above and laurel wreaths flanking the image, symbolizing imperial authority and dignity. The two-color composition (pink on left, light green on right) and the exceptional engraving finesse reflect the high security standards of Imperial State Bank notes.

FRONT: Serial number 'ВН 664516' (VN 664516) appears at top and bottom right; 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' (State Credit Note); 'ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' (Twenty-Five Rubles); '1909' (year); Full redemption guarantee: 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ БАНК РАЗМЕНИВАЕТ ПРЕДЪЯВЛЯЕМЫЕ БИЛЕТЫ НА ЗОЛОТУЮ МОНЕТУ БЕЗ ОГРАНИЧЕНИЯ СУММЫ (1 РУБЛЬ = 1/15 ИМПЕРИАЛА, СОДЕРЖИТ 17,424 ДОЛИ ЧИСТОГО ЗОЛОТА)' (The State Bank exchanges presented notes for gold coins without limit of amount [1 ruble = 1/15 Imperial, contains 17.424 parts pure gold]). BACK: 'РУБЛЯ' (Rubles); 'АЛЕКСАНДР III' (Alexander III); Engraver/artist signatures including references to 'Горбачевский' and other craftsmen involved in the note's production.

Intaglio engraving (taille-douce), the standard security printing method for Imperial Russian State Credit Notes. The complex geometric patterns, fine line work in the portrait rendering, multi-layered decorative borders, and intricate background designs were all produced through steel plate engraving, typical of notes from this era. The two-color printing (utilizing both front and back color variations) was applied through sequential printing passes. Russian Imperial notes of this period were produced by the State Bank's security printing facilities in St. Petersburg.

Serial number prefix 'ВН' (VN) and number 664516 documented; this specific serial combination represents one of numerous varieties produced during the 1909 issue. The note exhibits standard 1909-dated examples characteristic of Pick-12b(10), with no overprints, unusual security features, or error characteristics noted. The collector notation 'Sig. Morozov' likely indicates previous institutional or private collection ownership rather than a recognized cataloged variety. Standard imperial signatures and engraver attributions typical of the series are visible.