5 rublei 1919

Common. The Ashabad National Bank branch issued multiple denominations during 1919-1920 in what were relatively modest print runs for the period, but these notes circulated extensively in the Transcaspian region. The Pick S1141(2) designation indicates this is a documented variety in the standard catalog, and examples in various grades are available to collectors. The AU condition grade observed here places it above average preservation, but the note type itself is not scarce.

This note was issued by the Transcaspian Temporary Government in Ashabad (modern-day Ashgabat, Turkmenistan) during the chaotic final years of the Russian Civil War, when multiple competing authorities issued currency in former imperial territories. The imperial double-headed eagle on the obverse reflects the transitional nature of 1919 Russian finance, as the Bolshevik government was establishing control over peripheral regions. The inscription explicitly states the note was issued by order of the Transcaspian Temporary Government and was given equal legal status to State credit notes, highlighting the fractious monetary situation of the period.

The obverse features a centrally positioned double-headed imperial Russian eagle—the traditional coat of arms of the Russian Empire—rendered in detailed engraved style and surrounded by elaborate ornamental foliage and decorative flourishes. The denomination '5' appears in all four corners of the note. Radial text arrangements encircle the eagle, with the issuing authority and administrative signatures (Manager, Cashier, Controller) positioned below. The reverse presents a decorative rectangular cartouche containing the legal and administrative text, with the denomination repeated at top and bottom, and a repeating numerical pattern (likely 5s) forming decorative borders on the left and right margins. The overall color scheme is dominated by light greenish-beige and gray-green inks on aged, yellowed paper.

FRONT SIDE: 'ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' (Five Rubles); 'РУБЕЛЬНЫЙ ДЕНЕЖНЫЙ ЗНАК КАССКОГО ОТДЫЛЬНИЯ НАРОДНОГО БАНКА' (Ruble monetary sign of the Caucasian branch of the People's Bank); '5 РУБЛЕЙ' appears in multiple locations (5 Rubles); 'Управляющий' (Manager/Administrator); 'Кассир' (Cashier); 'Контролер' (Controller); '1919 г.' (1919). BACK SIDE: '5 ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ 5' (5 Five Rubles 5); 'Выпущень по расnоряжению Закаспийского Временнаго Правительства. Имъеть хождение наравнѣ с Государственными кредитными билетами. Поддѣлка преследуется законом' (Issued by order of the Transcaspian Temporary Government. Has circulation equal to State credit notes. Counterfeiting is prosecuted by law).

The note was produced using intaglio engraving, as evidenced by the intricate fine-line work visible in the decorative borders, the ornamental foliage surrounding the eagle, and the crisp, multi-line inscriptions characteristic of high-security engraved printing. The repeating numerical pattern on the reverse and the complex ornamental framing suggest the use of steel or copper engraved plates. Based on the Pick catalog designation and historical records of Russian regional currency, this was likely produced by Russian state printing facilities or authorized regional printers during the Civil War period.

Pick catalog P-S1141(2) indicates this is the second listed variety for this issue. Varieties within this series are typically distinguished by signature combinations (Manager, Cashier, Controller), serial number prefixes, or minor typographic variations. The inscription references 'Касского Отдыльния' (Caucasian branch) rather than strictly Ashabad in the primary text, a characteristic feature of this particular issue. The date '1919 г.' is fixed on all examples of this variety. Without access to multiple examples to compare serial numbers and signature combinations, the precise distinguishing characteristics of variety (2) versus (1) cannot be definitively stated from this single specimen, though the catalog designation confirms this is the documented second variety.