5 rublei 1909
“Sig.Bogatyryov”
About This Note
This is an attractive AU-grade example of the 1909 Russian 5 Ruble credit note (Pick 10b(3)), featuring the characteristic ornate baroque design centered on the Imperial Russian double-headed eagle within an elaborate floral and scrollwork border. The note exhibits the expected patina of a circulated century-old banknote with minor creasing and age-related discoloration, yet retains strong visual appeal with intact peachy-salmon and navy blue color printing. The signature of Bogatyryov and series designation RD 755084 add collector interest to this historically significant piece of pre-Revolutionary Russian monetary history.
Common. The 1909 5 Ruble note is a standard issue from a major denomination and year of the Imperial Russian series. Millions were printed and circulated, and examples remain readily available to collectors in various conditions. AU-grade specimens are not difficult to locate in the numismatic market at modest price points. The Pick catalog designation 10b(3) indicates this is a known variety within a common series, not a rare or scarce issue.
Issued by the Russian Empire's State Bank in 1909 during the reign of Nicholas II, this credit note represents the gold-backed ruble system of the late Imperial period, explicitly stating the note's redeemability in gold without limit and the gold content equivalent (17.424 parts pure gold per ruble). The elaborate eagle and crown imagery reinforce the authority and legitimacy of the tsarist state, while the warnings against counterfeiting with threats of hard labor reflect the seriousness with which the Empire protected its monetary system. These notes circulated during the final years of Imperial Russia before the upheaval of World War I and the 1917 Revolution would render them obsolete.
The note features a symmetrical design centered on the Imperial Russian coat of arms—the double-headed eagle wearing the Imperial crown—rendered in an elaborate oval cartouche that dominates both the obverse and reverse. The eagle is flanked by ornamental wreaths incorporating laurel and oak leaves, symbols of victory and strength. The border consists of intricate baroque scrollwork, floral sprays, and architectural cartouches executed in fine line engraving. Denomination numerals '5' appear in salmon-pink circular medallions in all four corners. The overall design reflects the artistic conventions of late 19th-century Russian state banknote engraving, emphasizing legitimacy, permanence, and the backing of imperial authority. No portrait appears on the note, as the Imperial Eagle was considered sufficient representation of state authority.
FRONT SIDE: 'Государственный кредитный билет' (State Credit Note) / 'Пятирублей' (Five Rubles) / '1909' (Year) / 'Государственный Банк размениваeт кредитные билеты на золотую монету без ограничения суммы (1 рубль = 1/15 империала, содержит 17,424 долей чистого золота)' (The State Bank exchanges credit notes for gold coins without limitation of amount; 1 ruble = 1/15 imperial, contains 17.424 parts pure gold) / 'РД 755084' (Series RD, Serial 755084). BACK SIDE: 'Пятирублей' (Five Rubles) / 'Размен государственных кредитных билетов на золотую монету обеспечен всем достоянием государства' (Exchange of State credit notes for gold coins is secured by all property of the State) / 'Государственный долг покрывается золотом, находящимся во всей империи нарядов от золотого монета' (State debt is covered by gold located throughout the entire empire in accordance with gold coinage) / 'За подделку кредитных билетов виновные подвергаются лишению всех прав состояния и ссылке на каторгу' (Those guilty of counterfeiting credit notes are subject to loss of all rights and exile to hard labor).
Steel plate engraving with multi-color printing (two-color process: peachy-salmon/pink and navy blue inks on cream-beige paper). The complex border design, fine line engraving throughout, and precision of the coat of arms rendering are characteristic of the high-security banknote production of the Russian Imperial State Bank. The State Bank of Russia's official security printers executed notes of this period using advanced engraving techniques standard for the era, with the intricate scrollwork and multiple color separations serving as security measures against counterfeiting.
Pick 10b(3) designation indicates this is variety three of the 10b type. The signature of Bogatyryov (Sig. Bogatyryov) is a specific state official signature that helps identify the issuing period and authority. Serial number prefix 'РД' (RD Cyrillic) with serial number 755084 represents one of the standard series and serial number combinations used for this denomination and year. No overprints or unusual features are evident that would constitute a major variety, making this a standard circulated example of the 1909 5 Ruble type.
