50 rublei 1919

Common. While this note represents an interesting regional Civil War-era issue from the Ashabad branch, it was issued during a period of significant currency production across fragmenting Russian territories. The Pick catalog designation (P-S1144a(1)) indicates this is a documented and catalogued variety rather than an extreme rarity. Civil War-era Russian notes in this denomination from major branches are generally available to collectors, particularly in lower grades. The AU condition grade and Ashabad provenance add collector appeal but do not significantly elevate rarity status beyond what would be expected for a documented catalog variety.

This note was issued during the Russian Civil War period by the Ashabad (Akmas) branch of the National Bank under the Temporary Government's authority. The prominent double-headed eagle coat of arms depicted on the front reflects the transitional nature of Russian governance in 1919, when various regional authorities issued their own currency as central authority fragmented. The reverse's reference to the Zavastnitsky Temporary Government indicates this was part of localized monetary policy in Transcaucasia during the post-revolutionary chaos.

The note features a formal, classical design centered on the Imperial Russian double-headed eagle coat of arms surrounded by laurel wreaths and floral ornamental elements, symbolizing continuity with pre-revolutionary authority structures. The design employs an elaborate geometric border pattern on both sides, with the denomination '50' prominently displayed in large numerals on the left and right margins. The front includes signature lines for three officials (Manager, Cashier, and Controller), while the reverse contains a rectangular cartouche with decorative scrollwork corners containing the issuing authority's statement and legal warning. The symmetrical composition and extensive ornamental work reflect the high-security design standards of early 20th-century central bank currency.

FRONT SIDE: Denomination: '50' (numerals), 'РУБЛЕЙ' (rublei/rubles). Main text: 'РАЗМЕННЫЙ ДЕНЕЖНЫЙ ЗНАК АКМАССКОГО ОТДЕЛЕНИЯ НАРОДНОГО БАНКА' (Exchange monetary token of the Akmas branch of the People's Bank). Official roles: 'Управляющий' (Manager), 'Кассир' (Cashier), 'Контролер' (Controller). Date: '1919 г.' (1919 year). BACK SIDE: Denomination: '50' (numerals in all four corners), 'ПЯТЬДЕСЯТ РУБЛЕЙ' (fifty rubles). Main text: 'ВЫПУЩЕН ПО РАСПОРЯЖЕНИЮ ЗАВАСНИЦКОГО ВРЕМЕННОГО ПРАВИТЕЛЬСТВА ИМЕЕТ ХОЖДЕНИЕ НАРАВНЕ С ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫМИ КРЕДИТНЫМИ МИ-БИЛЕТАМИ. ПОДДЬЛКА ПРЕСЛЕДУЕТСЯ ЗА КОНОЛМ' (Issued by order of the Zavastnitsky Temporary Government, has the same currency as state credit notes. Counterfeiting is prosecuted by law).

The note was produced using letterpress printing, evidenced by the crisp, clear impressions of text, numerals, and ornamental borders visible throughout. The uniform coloring in tan/beige, green, and black appears to be achieved through multi-pass letterpress printing with separate passes for different color elements. The fine geometric patterns and detailed scrollwork in the cartouche borders suggest high-quality engraved plates typical of central bank currency production of this era.

This note is catalogued as Pick S1144a(1), specifically identifying it as a variety of the Ashabad National Bank Branch 50 ruble issue of 1919. The notation '(1)' suggests there may be multiple varieties within this designation, potentially differing in signature combinations, series letters, or minor design variations. The visual analysis confirms this is the standard type with the double-headed eagle, Ashabad branch designation, and Zavastnitsky Temporary Government attribution. Collectors should be aware that other varieties of this denomination from different regional branches or with variant signatures may exist under different Pick numbers.