25 rublei 1909

Common. The 1909 series 25 ruble note was part of a substantial print run during active circulation in the Russian Empire's final years. Pick catalog P-12b(6) designates a standard variety within the larger series. While Russian Imperial banknotes in general have collector appeal, this specific denomination and year remain relatively available in the market, particularly in circulated grades. The UNC condition and Gusev signature may provide mild incremental value to specialized collectors, but the note itself is not scarce or rare.

Issued during the final years of the Russian Empire under the gold standard, this 25 ruble note represents the State Credit Note system established to facilitate commerce while maintaining direct convertibility to gold at the rate of 1 ruble = 1/15 imperial (containing 17.424 parts fine gold). The reverse features Alexander II, whose Great Reforms of the 1860s-1870s modernized the Russian financial system, and the elaborate heraldic composition with double-headed eagle and imperial crown reflects the autocratic stability of the pre-revolutionary period. This denomination and design series was in circulation during a relatively brief but significant period of Russian economic development, ending with the dynasty's collapse in 1917.

The obverse features an ornate geometric and floral framework with the Russian imperial double-headed eagle positioned on the left side, flanked by elaborate scrollwork and botanical motifs. Denomination numerals '25' appear in circular ornamental cartouches at top-right and bottom-left. The center contains the mandatory text regarding the note's status as a State Credit Note, printed within a decorative rectangular border. The reverse presents a formal three-quarter portrait of Alexander II in full military dress uniform adorned with medals and decorations, surmounted by the imperial crown and heraldic double-headed eagle within an ornamental frame. Laurel wreaths and agricultural symbols (wheat and grapes) emphasize imperial prosperity and benevolent rule. The color scheme employs pink and mauve tones on the obverse with pale green and cream sections on the reverse, typical of the 1909 series security printing. Fine line patterns throughout serve as mechanical anti-counterfeiting measures.

{"front":{"primary_text":"ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ / ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ (State Credit Note / Twenty-Five Rubles)","legal_text":"ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ БАНК РАЗМЕНИВАЕТ КРЕДИТНЫЕ БИЛЕТЫ НА ЗОЛОТУЮ МОНЕТУ БЕЗ ОГРАНИЧЕНИЯ СУММЫ (1 РУБЛЬ=1/15 ИМПЕРИАЛА, СОДЕРЖИТ 17,424 ДОЛИ ЧАСТОГО ЗОЛОТА) (The State Bank exchanges credit notes for gold coins without limit of sum / 1 ruble = 1/15 imperial, contains 17.424 parts of fine gold)","date_and_identifiers":"1909 / П3 / №712986"},"back":{"denomination":"25 РУБЛЕЙ (Twenty-Five Rubles)","portrait_identification":"АЛЕКСАНДР II (Alexander II)","date":"1909","banner_text":"[Fine print inscription below portrait - formal State Bank declaration, details not fully legible in image]"}}

Intaglio engraving (copperplate/steel plate printing) combined with background security patterns. The fine line work visible throughout, particularly in the ornamental elements, portrait details, and denominational frames, indicates classical engraving techniques. The security background pattern of fine parallel lines visible in both pink and pale green sections represents mechanical security printing typical of Imperial Russian State Bank notes of this period. No evidence of lithography or offset printing; this is purely high-security intaglio work characteristic of official government currency production.

This example is identified as Pick P-12b(6), indicating it is the sixth known variety signature combination for the 1909 25 ruble Type B design. The signature visible as 'Sig.Gusev' identifies the authorizing official. The serial number 712986 with letter prefix П3 falls within the standard range for this series. This particular combination of Gusev's signature with the П3 prefix represents one of several authorized signature varieties produced during the 1909 issuance, but without documented print run data, it cannot be confirmed as notably scarce relative to other signature variants.