5 rublei 1917

common

This 1917 note represents a transitional moment in Russian monetary history, issued by the R.S.F.S.R. during the revolutionary period when the Tsarist Empire was collapsing. The prominent Imperial Russian double-headed eagle with ornate crown and the heraldic shields depicting regional coats of arms reflect the note's origin from the official State Bank system, while the text asserting that credit notes were backed by gold and all state resources represents the government's attempt to maintain financial stability during unprecedented political upheaval. The severe counterfeiting penalties inscribed on the reverse underscore the critical importance of currency security during this period of state transition.

Both sides of this 5 Ruble note feature the Imperial Russian coat of arms as the dominant central element. The obverse displays the double-headed eagle with imperial crown and a shield containing the heraldic eagle, dated 1909, centered above a decorative cartouche containing state credit note text. The reverse presents an even more elaborate heraldic arrangement, with the crowned double-headed eagle flanked by an ornate cartouche containing the three legal provisions regarding gold backing, counterfeiting penalties, and legal tender status. Large numeral denominations (5s) appear in all four corners of both sides within decorative circular or rectangular frames. The design employs extensive ornamental borders composed of baroque-style scrollwork, floral flourishes, and rosette ornaments throughout. The color scheme utilizes pale cream/beige as the base with blue-grey decorative elements and dark blue-black fine-line engraving. No portraits of individuals appear on the note; instead, the heraldic imagery serves as the symbolic representation of state authority. The fine line engraving work is exceptionally detailed, with complex patterns serving dual purposes as both aesthetic and security features.

{"front":{"denominationWords":"ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ (Five Rubles)","issuerText":"ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КРЕДИТНЫЙ БИЛЕТ (State Credit Note/Banknote)","goldStandard":"ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ БАНК РАЗМЕЩАЕТ КРЕДИТНЫЕ БИЛЕТЫ НА ЗОЛОТУЮ МОНЕТУ (The State Bank exchanges credit notes for gold coins) | 1 РУБЛЬ = 1/15 ИМПЕРИАЛА, СОДЕРЖАТЬ 17,424 ДОЛЕЙ ЧИСТОГО ЗОЛОТА (1 ruble = 1/15 imperial, contains 17.424 parts pure gold)","signatureLines":"Управляющий Банка (Bank Manager) | Кассир (Cashier)","serialNumber":"УА-130 (Serial number UA-130, repeated twice on obverse)"},"back":{"denominationWords":"ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ (Five Rubles)","legalText":"1. РАЗМЕН ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫХ КРЕДИТНЫХ БИЛЕТОВ НА ЗОЛОТУЮ МОНЕТУ ОБЕСПЕЧИВАЕТСЯ ВСЕМИ ДОСТОЯНИЯМИ ГОСУДАРСТВА. (1. The exchange of State Credit Notes for gold coins is secured by all the resources of the State.) | 2. ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЕ КРЕДИТНЫЕ БИЛЕТЫ ИМЕЮТ ХОЖДЕНИЕ ВО ВСЕЙ ИМПЕРИИ НАРАВНЕ С ЗОЛОТОЮ МОНЕТОЮ. (2. State Credit Notes circulate throughout the entire Empire on equal terms with gold coins.) | 3. ЗА ПОДДЕЛКУ КРЕДИТНЫХ БИЛЕТОВ ВИНОВНЫЕ ПОДВЕРГАЮТСЯ ЛИШЕНИЮ ВСЕХ ПРАВ СОСТОЯНИЯ И ССЫЛКЕ НА КАТОРЖНУЮ РАБОТУ (3. For counterfeiting credit notes, violators are subject to loss of all civil rights and exile to hard labor.)"}}

This note was produced using intaglio engraving (line engraving), the standard security printing method for Imperial Russian currency of this period. The exceptional crispness and sharpness of the fine line work observed throughout both sides, the complexity of the heraldic designs, and the consistent depth and clarity of the ornamental scrollwork are all characteristic of professional intaglio production. The banknote was likely printed by the Imperial Russian State Printing Works or under its direct supervision, as was standard for official government credit notes during this era. The multi-color effect (cream, blue-grey, and dark blue-black) was achieved through sequential passes of the engraved plates, a technique typical of security printing of the period.

This specific example is identified as Pick-35(2-13), indicating it belongs to the second major variety group and represents the thirteenth variety within that classification system. The serial number УА-130 (UA-130) with the 'УА' (UA) prefix and the signature notation 'Sig.Shagin' in the collector notes suggest this specimen can be differentiated from other printings by its prefix series and the specific authorized signature appearing on the note. The dated coat of arms (1909) is a standard feature of this issue. Researchers of R.S.F.S.R. currency should note signature variations and serial number prefix series as key identifying characteristics for establishing specific varieties within the broader 1917 five ruble issue.