25 rublei 1909

Common. The 1909 Russian Imperial 25 ruble note (Pick P-12b) represents a standard issue denomination with substantial print runs during the final decades of the Romanov dynasty. While Russian Imperial currency has collector appeal, this particular denomination and date combination remains readily available in the numismatic market. The condition grade of VF is typical for surviving examples, as the note's age has resulted in widespread conservation. Absent specific print run data indicating a limited emission, this note should be classified as common among Russian Imperial banknotes.

This 25 ruble note was issued during the reign of Tsar Nicholas II by the Russian State Bank (Государственный Банк), and notably features a portrait of his predecessor, Alexander II (the 'Tsar Liberator'). The inscription prominently states the State Bank's commitment to exchange credit notes for gold without limit at the fixed rate of one ruble equaling 1/15 of an imperial gold coin, reflecting the gold standard backing of Russian currency in the final years before World War I. The imperial heraldry and formal typography emphasize the authority and stability of the Russian state during this period of the Empire.

The front of this credit note features a symmetrical layout with the Imperial Russian double-headed eagle and heraldic arms centered, flanked by ornamental shields displaying the denomination 25. The design incorporates elaborate decorative oval frames containing Cyrillic text in a formal, authoritative arrangement typical of Imperial Russian banknotes. The reverse displays a formal portrait of Tsar Alexander II in military dress uniform with epaulettes, shown in profile within an intricately engraved oval frame. This portrait, combined with the laurel wreaths flanking the central imperial eagle, creates a composition emphasizing imperial authority and legitimacy. The overall design reflects the high artistic and security standards of Russian Imperial banknote production in the early 20th century.

FRONT SIDE: Serial number ВО 776339 (VO 776339); ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ (State Credit Note/Banknote); ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ (Twenty-Five Rubles); ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ БАНК РАЗМЕНИВАЁТ КРЕДИТНЫЕ БИЛЕТЫ НА ЗОЛОТУЮ МОНЕТУ БЕЗ ОГРАНИЧЕНИЯ СУММЫ ОДИН РУБЛЬ = 1/15 (ИМПЕРСКАЯ ЗОЛОТАЯ) (State Bank Exchanges Credit Notes for Gold Coin Without Limit of Sum, One Ruble = 1/15 Imperial Gold); УПРАВЛЯЮЩИЙ (Manager/Director); Кассир (Cashier); denomination 25; date 1909. BACK SIDE: АЛЕКСАНДР II (Alexander II); РУБЛЕЙ (Rubles); Fine print text regarding state credit notes and their permanent exchange for gold at the established rate.

The note was produced using steel engraving (intaglio printing), the standard security printing method for Imperial Russian banknotes of this period. The crisp, fine-line engraving visible throughout the design, particularly in the portrait detail and ornamental borders, is characteristic of intaglio work. Multiple color printing was employed to create the pink/mauve and green color scheme with black engraved details. Russian Imperial banknotes of this era were typically produced by the State Printing Works (Государственная типография) or other official Imperial printing facilities authorized to produce currency.

This specific example is identified as Pick P-12b(5) with the signature of Gavrilov (Управляющий - Director) and an unknown cashier signature. The serial number ВО 776339 indicates printing batch VO. Russian Imperial 25 ruble notes of 1909 exhibit variations primarily in signatures (different directors and cashiers held office during the year) and serial number prefixes. The Pick P-12b designation distinguishes this from earlier variants (P-12a) based on design refinements and administrative changes. Collectors should note that signature combinations and serial prefixes can affect specific variety classifications, though all 1909 issues under P-12b share the same core design and Alexander II portrait.