25 rublei 1909
“Sig.Baryshev”
About This Note
This is a 1909 Imperial Russian 25 ruble State Credit Note (Pick P-12b(2)) in VF condition, featuring the classic design elements of late Imperial currency with ornate pink-beige coloring and intricate geometric security patterns. The obverse displays elaborate scrollwork and decorative medallions with denomination numerals, while the reverse presents a formal portrait of Emperor Alexander III in military dress uniform within an ornamental frame topped by the Imperial double-headed eagle. The note shows appropriate aging consistent with its 115+ year history, with light foxing and natural patina but no significant damage, representing a well-preserved example of Russian Imperial monetary history.
Common. The 25 ruble denomination was a standard circulating denomination of Imperial Russian currency, issued in substantial quantities during the 1909 series. No historical documentation indicates restricted print runs, recall, or scarcity for Pick P-12b(2). VF condition examples remain readily available in the collector market at modest price points ($30-80 USD range), consistent with common circulated Imperial notes. The specific signature variant (Baryshev) does not indicate a scarce printing.
Issued during the reign of Emperor Nicholas II (though featuring the commemorative portrait of his predecessor Alexander III), this note exemplifies the Russian Empire's gold standard credit system established to modernize the nation's currency. The inscriptions proclaim this as a 'State Credit Note' guaranteed by the State Bank's gold reserves, reflecting Russia's monetary reforms under Finance Minister Sergei Witte in the 1890s. The military iconography and Imperial coat of arms underscore the state's authority at a time of growing industrial development but also rising political tensions that would culminate in the 1917 Revolution.
The obverse features a sophisticated symmetrical design centered on an ornamental oval cartouche containing official text, flanked by two circular medallions containing the denomination '25' in ornamental frames. The Imperial double-headed eagle with crown appears in the upper left, establishing state authority. The entire surface is covered with fine geometric microprint patterns and elaborate scrollwork typical of haute époque security printing. The reverse presents a formal portrait of Emperor Alexander III (reigning 1881-1894, deceased by the note's 1909 issue date, making this commemorative) rendered in fine line engraving within an ornate decorative frame. The portrait shows Alexander III in military dress uniform with elaborate epaulettes and military decorations, surrounded by laurel and wheat branches symbolizing prosperity and imperial legitimacy. The Imperial coat of arms crowns the composition. The pink-beige color scheme with green and cream accents on the reverse is characteristic of the Russian Imperial 25 ruble denomination.
FRONT: 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' (State Credit Note); 'ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' (Twenty-five Rubles); 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ БАНК' (State Bank); 'УДОСТОВЕРЯЕТ КРЕДИТНЫЕ БИЛЕТЫ НА ЗОЛОТУМ МОНЕТУ РОССИЙСКОЙ ИМПЕРИИ, ОГРАНИЧЕНА СУММА' (Certifies credit notes for the gold currency of the Russian Empire, limited amount); 'ПРАВО ГОСУДАРСТВА НА ЗОЛОТЫЙ ЗАПАС' (State's right to gold reserve); Serial number 'ГН 340904'; Date '1909'. BACK: 'АЛЕКСАНДР III' (Alexander III); 'РУБЛЯ' (Ruble); Commemorative text regarding state credit notes backed by gold currency of the Russian Empire and their significance to state finances and infrastructure development.
Intaglio engraving (recess/line engraving), the standard security printing method for Imperial Russian banknotes. The fine detail work visible in the microprint patterns, portrait shading, and ornamental borders, combined with the crisp impression quality observable on the aged paper, confirms professional engraving production. The State Security Printing Works (Государственная Экспедиция Заготовления Государственных Бумаг) in St. Petersburg produced Imperial Russian notes of this period; the geometric security patterns and technical execution are consistent with their documented work standards for the 1909 issue.
This note represents Pick catalog P-12b(2), indicating it is the second variety of the P-12b type, differentiated by signature combinations or minor printing variations. The signature visible as 'Sig. Baryshev' (Барышев) identifies this as the Baryshev signature variety. The serial number GN 340904 and date 1909 are consistent with the standard emission. Varieties of the 1909 25 ruble typically differentiate by the combinations of signatures of State Bank officials (typically the Director and Cashier/Manager); this note bears Baryshev's signature, a documented signatory of the 1909 emission period.
