5 rublei 1909
“Sig.Feduleyev”
About This Note
This is a 1909 Russian Imperial 5 ruble State Credit Note in Fine condition, displaying the characteristic ornate baroque design typical of early 20th-century Russian currency. The note features the prominent double-headed eagle with imperial shield on both sides, rendered in fine line engraving with extensive decorative scrollwork and floral elements in tan and dark blue tones. The circulated condition with visible creasing and age-related discoloration is consistent with a banknote that saw genuine historical circulation during the final years of the Russian Empire.
Common. The 5 ruble denomination was one of the most frequently issued denominations in the Russian Imperial currency system, and the 1909 date falls within the standard circulation period of this series. While the note shows genuine historical wear and age, the combination of denomination, date, and series makes it a relatively common item in the collector market. Notes of this type and condition typically sell for modest prices ($15-40 USD range), confirming their common status.
This 5 ruble note was issued during the final decade of the Russian Empire under the Imperial State Bank's gold-backed credit system. The lengthy inscriptions on both sides emphasize the note's backing by gold reserves and its mandatory exchangeability at the State Bank, reflecting the empire's adherence to the gold standard in the pre-World War I era. The elaborate heraldic imagery—particularly the imperial double-headed eagle with its complex shield showing the coats of arms of various Russian territories—symbolized the centralized imperial authority and the vast multi-ethnic domains under Romanov rule.
This banknote exemplifies the highest standard of imperial Russian currency design. The obverse features the Russian Imperial coat of arms—a double-headed eagle crowned with the Imperial crown—centered within an ornate baroque frame of acanthus leaves, scrollwork, and floral arabesques. The denomination '5' appears in decorative cartouches at the upper corners. The reverse displays the same imperial eagle in a more elaborate composition, with its wings spread wide to reveal the comprehensive imperial shield in its center, which itself contains multiple quarterings representing the principal coats of arms of the Russian Empire's constituent regions and vassals (including those of Moscow, Novgorod, Vladimir, and other major territories). Laurel branches, baroque flourishes, and fine ornamental borders frame both designs. The entire composition emphasizes imperial authority and the note's status as a secure, officially-backed financial instrument.
FRONT SIDE: Central inscription reads 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' (State Credit Note Five Rubles). The longer text states: 'The State Bank issues credit notes for gold currency without limit of sum. One ruble equals 1/15 of an imperial, containing (17,424 parts of pure gold).' Signature inscription: 'Managing Cashier Bululli' [or similar]. Serial number: ЗЦ1114691 appears twice. BACK SIDE: Main inscription: 'The exchange of state credit notes for gold coin is obligatory at the State Bank and its branches; the exchange of state credit notes for gold coin is subject to all laws concerning gold coin circulation and all regulations concerning gold coin circulation currently in effect and henceforth to be issued.' Denomination text: 'ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' (Five Rubles).
This note was produced using fine-line engraving and intaglio printing, the standard security printing method for Russian Imperial credit notes of this period. The complex ornamental borders, multi-layered heraldic details, and fine line work visible throughout both sides are characteristic of this technique. The printer for Russian Imperial notes of this era was typically the State Printing Works (Государственная типография) in St. Petersburg, though some notes were produced by contracted security printers. The intricate detail work and layered security features—including the dual serial numbers and complex border designs—reflect the high standards of Russian imperial currency production.
This note is catalogued as Pick P-10a(24), indicating it is variety 24 within the P-10a series of 1909 5 ruble State Credit Notes. The signature 'Feduleyev' (Федулеев) noted in the collector notes indicates this is a specimen signed by this particular official. The serial number ЗЦ1114691 with the 'ЗЦ' prefix is consistent with Russian Imperial serial number conventions. Varieties within the 1909 5 ruble series are typically distinguished by different signature combinations of the Managing Cashier and other officials, and potentially by printer variations or serial number prefix changes. The specific variety designation (24) suggests this is one of multiple signature combinations catalogued for this denomination and year.
