1000 rublei 1921
About This Note
This is an uncirculated example of the 1921 Russian RSFSR 1000 Ruble note (Pick P-112a), displaying the characteristic Soviet-era design with hammer and sickle emblem and ornate decorative border work. The note presents in pristine condition with vibrant red/crimson and cream coloration, fine line security patterns, and the reverse side entirely covered in repetitive diagonal hatching as an anti-counterfeiting measure. This early Soviet denomination represents a significant transitional period in Russian monetary history during the revolutionary consolidation of power.
Common. The 1921 1000 Ruble denomination was issued in substantial quantities during the early Soviet period and represents a standard circulation note of its era. No specific print run limitations, recall orders, or scarcity factors are known for Pick P-112a. While the note has historical significance, uncirculated examples are regularly encountered in the numismatic market and are not particularly difficult to obtain.
Issued in 1921 by the RSFSR State Treasury during the early Soviet period, this note reflects the revolutionary government's assertion of authority through the prominent hammer and sickle emblem within an ornate wreath. The inscription 'Backed by all the property of the Republic' demonstrates the ideological messaging of the early Soviet state, attempting to legitimize the new currency through collectivist rhetoric rather than traditional commodity backing. This denomination and period coincide with the Russian Civil War's conclusion and the beginning of the New Economic Policy era.
The obverse features a symmetrical composition dominated by the Soviet state emblem—a hammer and sickle crossed within an ornate wreath—positioned on the left-center of the note. The denomination '1000 РУБЛЕЙ' is centrally displayed, flanked by decorative circular corner ornaments in all four corners. An elaborate border frame with repeating geometric patterns and fine-line hatching serves dual purposes as both aesthetic ornamentation and security feature. The reverse side employs a comprehensive repetitive diagonal weave pattern in fine lines covering the entire surface, a common anti-counterfeiting technique of the period. The color scheme throughout is dominated by red/crimson and pink tones on a cream/beige background, typical of early Soviet banknote printing.
Front Side: 'РАСЧЕТНЫЙ ЗНАК' (Settlement Note/Accounting Sign) - 'РУБЛЕЙ' (Rubles) - '1000' (denomination, appears multiple times) - '1921' (year of issue) - 'ОБЕСПЕЧИВАЕТСЯ ВСЕМ ДОСТОЯНИЕМ РЕСПУБЛИКИ' (Is backed by all the property of the Republic). Back Side: No inscriptions present; surface consists entirely of security pattern.
This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the fine, precise line work visible in the border patterns, corner ornaments, and the diagonal security hatching on the reverse. The consistent depth and clarity of the repetitive geometric patterns indicate skilled engraving. The security pattern on the reverse—the comprehensive fine diagonal hatching—was printed as an integral part of the intaglio design rather than as an overlay, a characteristic of Russian State Treasury printing of this period.
Pick P-112a represents the primary variety of this denomination. Potential variety markers would include serial number prefixes, signature variations, or overprints; however, no such details are discernible from the visual analysis provided. The 1921 date and standard design configuration are consistent with the catalog designation. Further research into specific serial number ranges or printer marks would be required to establish any sub-varieties within this Pick number.
