1 rubel 1922
About This Note
This is an exceptionally well-preserved example of the 1922 Russian RSFSR 1 Ruble note (Pick P-127(5)), graded AU with sharp printing and minimal wear. The note showcases the characteristic ornate baroque design with coral/salmon coloring, featuring the Soviet hammer-and-sickle coat of arms and elaborate decorative cartouches typical of early Soviet currency. As a monetary denomination issued during the critical post-Civil War period of Soviet economic stabilization, this note represents an important transitional currency between the hyperinflated rubles of the civil war era and the later stable Soviet monetary system.
Common. The 1922 1 Ruble RSFSR note (Pick P-127(5)) was issued in substantial quantities as part of the post-civil war currency stabilization effort and circulated widely throughout the Soviet republics. No evidence indicates a restricted print run, short-lived issue period, or recall. AU examples like this one, while not abundant in circulation, are regularly encountered in numismatic markets at modest valuations typical of early 20th-century Russian currency in good condition. The note does not command premiums associated with scarce or rare issues.
Issued by the State Treasury of the Russian RSFSR in 1922, this note was produced during the New Economic Policy (NEP) period when Lenin's government sought to restore economic stability after years of civil war and War Communism. The inscription stating the note equals 10,000 rubles of previously issued denominations reflects the severe hyperinflation experienced during 1918-1922, requiring a complete currency redenomination. The presence of the Soviet coat of arms (hammer and sickle within a laurel wreath) and references to the 'People's Commissar of Finance' underscore the revolutionary government's control over monetary policy during this formative period of the Soviet state.
The 1 Ruble 1922 RSFSR note features a wholly ornamental design reflecting early Soviet artistic preferences for elaborate decorative schemes. Both sides are dominated by intricate baroque-style scrollwork and floral patterns executed in fine engraving, with the design rendered primarily in coral and salmon-pink coloring on a cream/beige background. The front displays a central cartouche containing the constitutional text 'guaranteed by all the property of the republic,' flanked by the Soviet coat of arms (hammer and sickle within a circular laurel wreath) on the left and denomination cartouches on left and right. Signature lines for the People's Commissar of Finance and Cashier appear beneath the central text. The reverse maintains strict symmetry with four corner cartouches displaying the denomination '1 РУБЛЬ,' while a large central ornamental shield-shaped cartouche explains the currency's exchange value relative to pre-reform rubles. The note contains no portraits or depicted landmarks, relying entirely on ornamental and symbolic elements for its design.
FRONT SIDE: 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ ДЕНЕЖНЫЙ ЗНАК' (State monetary sign); 'ОДИН РУБЛЬ' (One ruble) - appears twice in cartouches; 'ОБЕСПЕЧИВАЕТСЯ ВСЕМ ДОСТОЯНИЕМ РЕСПУБЛИКИ' (Is guaranteed by all the property/wealth of the republic); 'НАРОДНЫЙ КОМИССАР ФИНАНСОВ' (People's Commissar of Finance); 'КАССИР' (Cashier); '1922' (year of issue); Serial designation 'АА-013'. BACK SIDE: 'Один рубль выпуска 1922 г.' (One ruble issue of 1922); 'равен 10,000 рублей всех ранее выпущенных образцов и облигателей к приему, согласно этого расчета, для учреждений Республики и частных лиц' (equals 10,000 rubles of all previously issued notes and bonds for acceptance according to this calculation for institutions of the Republic and private persons); 'ПОДЕЛЕНА ПРЕСЛЕДУЕТСЯ ПО ЗАКОНУ' (Subdivision is prosecuted by law); 'РУБЛЬ' (Ruble) - appears four times in corner cartouches.
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), the standard security printing technique for banknotes of the era. The sharp clarity of the fine line work, consistent ink density, and preservation of delicate ornamental details visible in the AU-graded example confirm high-quality intaglio production. This note was produced by the State Printing Works (Gosudarstvennaya tipografiya) of the RSFSR, which handled currency production for the Soviet government during this period.
Serial number prefix 'АА-013' is observed on this example. The 1922 1 Ruble exists with various serial number combinations; early Soviet currency from this period typically employed Cyrillic letter prefixes followed by numerals. This particular note represents the standard variety issued without notable overprints, signatures, or exceptional modifications. Varieties of this Pick number may be distinguished by differing serial number prefixes and signature combinations representing different regional printing centers or administrative authorities responsible for distribution.
