250 rublei 1920
About This Note
This is an attractive AU-grade 250 Rubles note from 1920, issued by the High Command of the Armed Forces in South Russia during the Russian Civil War. The note features exceptional ornate intaglio printing with a double-headed eagle on the obverse and an allegorical female figure (representing Russia) on the reverse, both rendered in brown-purple tones on cream paper with minimal aging or wear. The serial number ЯА-086 and excellent state of preservation make this a desirable example of this short-lived White Army currency.
Uncommon. While these White Army currency notes were produced in significant quantities during 1920, they represent a relatively brief and localized issue (South Russia only, 1920 period of the Civil War). The High Command's currency was displaced by events of the Civil War's conclusion, and survivors in AU condition are less frequently encountered than mainstream Russian Imperial or early Soviet issues. However, these notes are not scarce enough to be considered rare, as examples do appear in the market with reasonable regularity. The specific variety with serial number ЯА-086 may have limited examples, but the Pick S433b type is cataloged as a standard issue rather than a noted rarity.
This note represents the currency of the anti-Bolshevik White Army forces during the Russian Civil War (1918-1922), specifically the South Russian command under General Denikin. The double-headed eagle and allegorical representation of Russia reflect the White Army's claim to legitimacy as defenders of the traditional Russian state against Bolshevik revolution. The 1920 date places this during the final year of the White Army's effective control in southern Russia before their collapse and evacuation.
The obverse features a centered double-headed eagle with spread wings and shield, framed by an elaborate ornamental border with scrollwork and floral motifs typical of Imperial Russian currency design. The denomination 250 РУБЛЕЙ appears in ornate numerals on the right, with the year 1920 in cartouches at both upper corners. Central text within decorative cartouches identifies the issuer and includes signature blocks for two officials (Head of Finance Management and Head of Credit Section). The reverse depicts Russia as an allegorical female figure (personification of the Russian state) standing on a pedestal with radiating sunburst rays behind her, flanked by heraldic or architectural ornamental elements. Legal text regarding currency status and counterfeiting penalties appears in cartouches on both sides of the central figure. The denomination 250 appears in an oval at lower left, with the year 1920 centered at the bottom. The overall design employs complex symmetrical ornamental patterns typical of late Imperial Russian State Treasury notes.
{"front":{"denomination":"250 РУБЛЕЙ (250 Rubles)","issuerText":"Билет Государственного Казначейства главного командования вооруженными силами на юго России (Bill of the State Treasury of the Chief Command of the Armed Forces in South Russia)","signatureLabels":"Начальник Управления Финансов (Head of Finance Management) / Начальник Кредитной Части (Head of Credit Section)","year":"1920","serialNumber":"ЯА-086"},"back":{"legalText1":"Билеты Государственного Казначейства подлежат обращению на денежные знания наравне с настоящими синими России (Bills of the State Treasury are subject to circulation as monetary instruments on equal terms with the current money of Russia)","legalText2":"За поддержание билетов Государственного казначейства виновные подвергаютсяличению всех прав состояния и ссылке в каторжную работу (For counterfeiting State Treasury bills, the guilty parties shall be subject to deprivation of all property rights and exile to hard labor)","denomination":"250","year":"1920"}}
Intaglio printing (engraved plate printing), evidenced by the fine line work, complex decorative borders, sharp text definition, and the three-dimensional relief characteristic of engraved security printing. The ornate scrollwork, floral details, and fine rendering of the allegorical figure demonstrate high-quality security printing typical of Imperial-era Russian currency design. The precise registration and crisp impression of all design elements indicate professional security printer production, consistent with Russian State Treasury bills of this period.
This example bears serial number ЯА-086 with Cyrillic prefix. The visual analysis confirms this as Pick S433b, identified by the specific 1920 date, 250 ruble denomination, and issuer (High Command of Armed Forces in South Russia). Known varieties of this type include different signature combinations and serial number prefixes. This particular note represents a standard printing with complete text and imagery. No unusual overprints or alterations are visible in the AU-grade example observed.
