25 rublei 1909
“Sig.Ovchinnikov”
About This Note
This is a 25 rubles Imperial Russian State Credit Note from 1909, presented in Fine condition with excellent visual preservation. The note displays the characteristic ornate design of Imperial Russian currency from this period, featuring elaborate guilloche patterns, the Imperial double-headed eagle, and a formal portrait on the reverse. The serial number ВЧ 840368 and signature of Ovchinnikov are clearly visible, representing a significant example of pre-revolutionary Russian monetary instruments.
Common. The 1909 25 rublei notes were issued in substantial quantities by the Russian State Bank prior to the revolutionary monetary collapse. While pre-revolutionary Russian notes have collector interest, the Pick 12b(11) variety in Fine condition represents standard circulation-grade material from a well-documented series. No evidence of limited print runs, recalls, or extreme scarcity markers for this denomination and date.
Issued during the final years of Tsarist Russia under the gold standard system, this 1909 note reflects the empire's commitment to monetary stability through the Imperial gold standard (1 ruble = 1/15 Imperial). The portrait of Alexander II on the reverse honors this reformist emperor, while the double-headed eagle with laurel wreaths symbolizes Imperial sovereignty and state authority. These notes ceased circulation following the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent monetary collapse.
The front features a symmetrical design anchored by ornate circular medallions containing the numeral '25' in the upper right and lower left corners. The center displays Cyrillic text in elaborate ornamental frames describing the note's status as a gold-backed State Credit Note, with signature lines for the Director (Управляющий) and Cashier (Кассир). The reverse showcases a formal portrait of Tsar Alexander II in military dress uniform with full decorative braiding and epaulettes, positioned within an ornate oval frame topped by the Imperial double-headed eagle wearing a crown. Baroque-style scrollwork and laurel wreaths flank the portrait, emphasizing Imperial dignity. The entire design is rendered in pink, mauve, gray, and green tones with exceptional fine-line engraving throughout.
FRONT SIDE: 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' (State Credit Ticket/Note) | 'ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' (Twenty-five Rubles) | 'ВЧ 840368' (Serial number ВЧ 840368) | 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ БАНК ДОЗВОЛЯЕТ КРЕДИТНЫЕ БИЛЕТЫ НА ЗОЛОТО МОНЕТУ БЕЛОГО СТАНДАРТНЫХ СУММ (1 РУБЛЬ=1/15 ИМПЕРИАЛА СОДЕРЖИТ 17,424 ДОЛЕЙ ЧИСТОГО ЗОЛОТА)' (The State Bank permits credit notes for gold coin of white standard sums: 1 ruble = 1/15 Imperial containing 17.424 gold grains) | 'Управляющий' (Director/Manager) | 'Кассир' (Cashier) | '1909' (Year 1909). REVERSE SIDE: 'РУБЛЕЙ' (Rubles) | 'АЛЕКСАНДР II' (Alexander II) | Ornamental cartouche text identifying the portrait subject.
Steel engraving and intaglio printing, employing elaborate guilloche patterns and fine-line work characteristic of high-security banknote production of the period. The multi-color printing (pink, green, gray, black) indicates sophisticated chromatic separation techniques typical of Imperial Russian State Bank currency. The intricate background patterns, portrait engraving detail, and ornamental borders reflect the work of master security printers employed by the Russian Empire.
This note is cataloged as Pick 12b(11), indicating it is a specific variety of the 1909 25 rubles denomination. The signature identified as Ovchinnikov (Кассир/Cashier signature) and serial number prefix 'ВЧ' are distinguishing features of this particular specimen. The 1909 date and serial number ВЧ 840368 should be recorded for future reference and catalog documentation.
