25 rublei 1909
“radar #”
About This Note
This is an exceptionally well-preserved 25 Ruble State Credit Ticket from the Russian Empire's 1909 issue, graded AU with no visible wear, creases, or circulation marks. The note features the iconic double-headed eagle imperial coat of arms on the obverse and a formal portrait of Alexander III on the reverse, rendered in fine line engraving across pink, green, and gray tones. The serial number BH 366663 and overall crisp print quality suggest this is a collector-grade example of this important pre-Revolution Russian Imperial currency.
Common. The 25 Ruble denomination from the 1909 issue was produced in substantial quantities for circulation throughout the Russian Empire. While all pre-Revolution Russian notes are historically significant, this specific Pick number (P-12b) and denomination were not rare in their time and examples remain relatively available to collectors. The AU grade and excellent preservation add value above typical worn examples, but the note itself is not scarce or rare in numismatic terms.
Issued in 1909 during the reign of Nicholas II, this State Credit Ticket represents the gold-backed currency system of the late Russian Empire, with inscriptions explicitly guaranteeing exchange for gold 'without limit of sum' at a standard of 1 Ruble = 1/15 Imperiala containing 17.424 parts pure gold. The portrait of Alexander III (Nicholas II's father) on the reverse symbolized the continuity and legitimacy of imperial authority, while the ornate double-headed eagle and rococo decorative elements reinforced the prestige of the Russian state. These notes were withdrawn from circulation following the 1917 Revolution, making surviving examples important historical documents of the final years of Tsarist monetary authority.
This 25 Ruble note exemplifies the Imperial Russian State Credit Ticket design standard of the 1909 issue. The obverse (front) features a large double-headed eagle imperial coat of arms positioned on the left side, surrounded by ornamental laurel branches and rococo flourishes, with the denomination '25' in a large circular medallion on the right. The center displays the full text 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' and '25 РУБЛЕЙ.' The reverse (back) presents a formal bust portrait of Tsar Alexander III (who reigned 1881-1894) depicted in full military dress uniform with medals and decorative insignia, enclosed within an elaborate oval rococo frame topped with the imperial crown. Flanking the portrait are stylized laurel branches and wheat stalks symbolizing prosperity and imperial stability. The left side of the reverse features a repeating fine-line security text pattern, while the right transitions to a pale green/yellow tint. The entire design employs symmetrical composition and ornate neoclassical/rococo styling characteristic of late Imperial Russian currency.
FRONT SIDE: 'БХ 366663' (Serial number BH 366663) | 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ' (State Credit Ticket) | 'ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' (Twenty Five Rubles) | '25 РУБЛЕЙ' (25 Rubles) | 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ БАНК РАЗМЕШИВАЕТ КРЕДИТНЫЕ БИЛЕТЫ НА ЗОЛОТУЮ МОНЕТУ БЕЗ ОГРАНИЧЕНИЯ СУММЫ' (The State Bank exchanges credit tickets for gold currency without limit of sum) | '1 РУБЛЬ = 1/15 ИМПЕРИАЛА СОДЕРЖИТ 17.424 ДОЛЕЙ ЧИСТАГО ЗОЛОТА' (1 Ruble = 1/15 Imperiala contains 17.424 parts pure gold) | 'Управляющий' (Manager/Director) | 'Кассир' (Cashier) | '1909' (1909). BACK SIDE: 'АЛЕКСАНДР III' (Alexander III) | 'БАНК ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ 1909 ГОДА ВЫПУСКА. НА ЗОЛОТУЮ МОНЕТУ БЕЗ ОГРАНИЧЕНИЯ СУММЫ' (State Bank Credit Ticket of 1909 Issue. For gold currency without limit of sum) | 'РУБЛЕЙ' (Rubles).
Fine line engraving with multi-color letterpress printing. The note exhibits the hallmarks of Russian State Security Printing works production: extremely fine parallel line engraving throughout the design, intricate background patterns serving as security elements, detailed portrait engraving demonstrating high skill, and precise color separation across multiple printing passes (pink/rose base with gray, black, and green overlay elements). The security printer for Russian Imperial credit tickets of this period was the Russian State Security Printing Works (Государственная Экспедиция Заготовления Государственных Бумаг).
Serial number BH 366663 indicates this is from a standard production run of the 1909 issue. The 'BH' prefix denotes the printing batch or series designation common to this period. No overprints, signatures, or other distinguishing variety markers are evident. This represents a typical example of the standard circulation-intended State Credit Ticket variety, distinct from rare error notes or special numbered runs that may exist within this Pick number.
