25 rublei 1909
“Sig.Y.Metz”
About This Note
An exceptional example of the Russian Imperial 25 Rublei from 1909, featuring the iconic portrait of Tsar Alexander III on the reverse. The note displays the characteristic pink/rose coloring with green and beige accents typical of this series, with crisp ornamental numerals and intricate guilloche patterns throughout. In VF condition, this note shows appropriate age-related patina consistent with 115+ years of storage, with no significant tears or damage, and fine detail remaining clear on both the portrait engraving and decorative elements.
common. The 1909 25 Rublei is one of the most commonly encountered Russian Imperial banknotes of the Shipov-Afanasyev signature series. Large print runs were issued for this high-circulation denomination throughout the 1909-1917 period. VF examples are readily available in the collector market with typical pricing in the $15-35 range, indicating substantial surviving specimens.
Issued during the final years of Tsar Nicholas II's reign, this credit note represents the Russian Empire's gold-backed currency system established following the 1897 monetary reform. The prominence of Alexander III's portrait reflects the high esteem in which his predecessor was held, as these notes honored his legacy while circulating under his son's rule. The inscription emphasizing the note's backing by gold and the gold standard (1 ruble = 1/15 imperiale) demonstrates Russia's commitment to sound money principles in the pre-Revolutionary period.
The obverse features the Russian Imperial double-headed eagle with crown at center, flanked by ornamental circles containing the denomination '25' in Arabic numerals on both left and right. Elaborate decorative borders with floral scrollwork and guilloche patterns frame the note in pink/rose tones with green and beige accents. The reverse is dominated by a finely engraved portrait of Tsar Alexander III shown in left profile, wearing military dress uniform with medals and a crown/military headpiece, encircled by an ornate decorative frame with laurel wreath motif. The portrait is rendered in black ink against a mauve-pink field transitioning to gray-green on the right side. Imperial heraldic elements and eagle-and-crown motifs accent the ornamental design throughout both sides.
FRONT SIDE: Serial number 'ВУ 811688' (top and bottom); 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' (State Credit Note); 'ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' (Twenty-Five Rubles); '1909' (year); Legal text: 'STATE BANK ISSUES CREDIT NOTES AGAINST GOLD COIN WITHOUT LIMIT OF SUM (1 RUBLE = 1/15 IMPERIALE, CONTAINS 17.424 PARTS PURE GOLD)' — BACK SIDE: 'АЛЕКСАНДР III' (Alexander III); 'РУБЛЕЙ' (Rubles); Legal/regulatory text regarding state bank credit note provisions and gold backing (fine print partially legible, relating to notes secured by state wealth).
Intaglio engraving (copperplate), combined with multicolor lithography. The fine line guilloche patterns, portrait detail work, and precise ornamental frames are characteristic of Russian Imperial banknote production by the State Printing Works. The multiple color printing technique (pink/rose, green, beige, and black) was applied in separate passes, a standard security method of the era.
Pick 12b(8) notation indicates this is the eighth signature variety of the Shipov-Afanasyev series for the 25 Rublei design. The serial number prefix 'ВУ' (VU) is consistent with Imperial-period notes. The specific signature variety and date (1909) confirm this as part of the standard circulation issue series. No notable overprints, watermark variations, or printing errors are apparent from visual analysis.
