3 rublja 1919

Uncommon. The Siberian Provisional Administration operated for a relatively brief period (1918-1920) and had limited territorial control, resulting in smaller print runs compared to notes from the central Russian government or major European banks. However, these notes were not exceptionally rare or highly sought by standard numismatic measures. The UNC grade elevates this particular example's value above average circulated specimens, but the denomination and type remain obtainable for collectors of Russian Civil War currency. Secondary market data suggests these notes typically command modest premiums ($15-40 USD in average condition, higher in UNC), placing them in the uncommon-but-available category rather than truly scarce.

This note was issued by the Provisional Siberian Administration during the Russian Civil War (1918-1922), when White forces controlled eastern Russia and Siberia. The retention of the double-headed imperial eagle and classical architectural imagery reflects the anti-Bolshevik government's ideological positioning as the legitimate continuity of the Russian state. The treasury note format and exchange guarantee language indicate an attempt to establish monetary credibility during a period of extreme political and economic chaos in Siberia.

The front features a formal, symmetrical composition dominated by two ornamental renderings of the Imperial Russian double-headed eagle with crown, positioned left and right of a central rectangular frame containing the denomination text. The eagles are flanked by decorative shield elements incorporating coat of arms imagery, reflecting traditional heraldic design. The central cartouche displays 'ТРИ РУБЛЯ' with supporting text explaining the note's exchangeability for state credit tickets. The year 1919 appears within a decorative oval cartouche at the bottom, with signature lines for managing director and cashier officials. The reverse presents a highly ornamental design centered on a large oval medallion with elaborate scrollwork and floral motifs, surrounded by concentric decorative rings with repeated 'ТРИ РУБЛЯ' text. Corner elements feature stylized numeral '3' designs. The entire design employs fine engraved line work and geometric crosshatch security patterns typical of early 20th-century currency production.

FRONT SIDE: 'КАЗНАЧЕЙСКИЙ ЗНАК СИБИРСКАГО ВРЕМЕННАГО ПРАВИТЕЛЬСТВА' (Treasury Note of the Siberian Provisional Government) | 'ТРИ РУБЛЯ' (Three Rubles) | 'КАЗНАЧЕЙСКИЙ ЗНАК ОБМНИВАЕТСЯ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫМЪ БАНКОМ НА ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЕ КРЕДИТ. БИЛЕТЫ.' (This Treasury Note is exchanged by the State Bank for State Credit Notes) | 'АА 103' (Serial number prefix and sequence) | '1919' (Year of issue) | 'Управляющий' (Managing Director) and 'Кассир' (Cashier) signature lines. BACK SIDE: 'ТРИ РУБЛЯ' (Three Rubles - repeated around central oval medallion) | '3' (Denomination numeral in corners). Note: 'ПОДДЕРЖКА ПРЕССЫДУЕТСЯ ЗАКОНОМ' inscription referenced in visual analysis could not be verified as standard for this type.

Intaglio engraving (steel engraving/plate printing), evidenced by the sharp, fine-line detail work visible in the ornamental borders, decorative elements, and security patterns. The fine geometric crosshatch background pattern and intricate linear designs characteristic of intaglio currency printing are clearly visible throughout both sides. The precise registration and crisp impression quality indicate professional currency printing. The specific printer for Siberian Provisional Government notes has not been definitively documented in standard references, though some sources suggest involvement of Russian state printing facilities or contracted commercial printers in Vladivostok or other White-controlled cities.

Serial number variety identified: 'АА 103' indicates series AA with note number 103. Different letter prefixes and serial number ranges likely exist for this printing. The signature line positions for 'Управляющий' (Managing Director) and 'Кассир' (Cashier) may vary by series or printing batch. No overprints, watermarks, or other obvious security features have been identified in the visual analysis, typical for hastily-produced Civil War-era treasury notes. Specialist catalogs on Siberian currency may document different series prefixes (AA, AB, etc.) as distinct varieties, though Pick S827 likely encompasses the main type.