3 rublja 1947
About This Note
This is an exceptional example of a Soviet 3 Rubles State Treasury Note from 1947 (Pick P-218), graded AU in condition. The note displays the hallmark Art Nouveau-influenced design characteristic of post-WWII Soviet currency, featuring an ornate central Soviet coat of arms on the obverse framed by laurel wreaths, and elaborate symmetrical eagles with decorative scrollwork on the reverse. The sharp, clear engraving throughout and absence of any wear, creases, or tears indicates this note has remained in uncirculated condition since its original issue, making it an outstanding example of Soviet numismatic artistry.
Common. The 3 Rubles 1947 issue (Pick P-218) was part of a large-scale Soviet treasury note circulation and no evidence suggests a limited print run or subsequent recall. This denomination and year represent standard Soviet currency production of the immediate post-war period. The AU grade specimen reflects excellent preservation rather than inherent rarity. Notes from this series appear regularly in the market at modest valuations, typically in the $5-$25 range depending on condition and serial number characteristics.
Issued in 1947, this treasury note represents the early post-World War II Soviet period when the State Bank reasserted control over currency following the German invasion and subsequent Soviet victory. The prominent Soviet coat of arms—featuring the hammer and sickle within a wreath—and the multilingual inscriptions in various Soviet republic languages reflect Stalin-era centralization and the propagandistic messaging of state financial authority. The guarantee text stating the notes are 'protected by law throughout the entire territory of the USSR' emphasizes Soviet sovereignty and the unified command economy following the devastation of the war.
The obverse features a classical Soviet-era design with an ornate rectangular border composed of elaborate scrollwork and floral motifs in Art Nouveau style. The central composition presents the Soviet state emblem—the hammer and sickle enclosed within a circular laurel wreath medallion—rendered in fine detail. Symmetrical laurel wreaths flank the coat of arms on either side, symbolizing Soviet victory and peace. Decorative rosettes and corner ornaments with floral designs frame the entire composition. The reverse displays a more elaborate decorative scheme with twin stylized eagles (simplified in Soviet style, though echoing Imperial heraldic tradition) with spread wings at the top, flanking a central cartouche containing the legal guarantee text. The design employs symmetrical geometric patterns, scrollwork borders, and ornamental crowns. The denomination numeral '3' appears prominently in multiple locations. The color scheme of green, gray, and cream with red serial numbers creates strong visual contrast and hierarchy.
OBVERSE: 'Государственный казначейский билет ССР' translates to 'State Treasury Note of the USSR.' The denomination is presented in multiple languages: 'ТРИ РУБЛЯ' (Three Rubles in Russian), 'ТРИС КАРБОВАНЦА' (Ukrainian), 'УЧ МАНАТ' (Azerbaijani/Turkic), and other Soviet republics' variations including 'KOLME RUPLAS' (Estonian). Serial number reads 'Хи 546237' (Khi 546237). REVERSE: The primary inscription reads 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЕ КАЗНАЧЕЙСКИЕ БИЛЕТЫ ОБЕСПЕЧИВАЮТСЯ ВСЕМ ДОСТОЯНИЕМ СОЮЗА ССР И ОХРАНЯЮТСЯ ЗАКОНОМ НА ВСЕЙ ТЕРРИТОРИИ СССР ВО ВСЕ ПЛАТЕЖИ ДЛЯ ВСЕХ УЧРЕЖДЕНИЙ, ПРЕДПРИЯТИЙ И ЛИЦ ПО НАРИЦАТЕЛЬНОЙ СТОИМОСТИ' (State Treasury Notes are guaranteed by all the wealth of the USSR and protected by law throughout the entire territory of the USSR as payment for all institutions, enterprises and individuals at face value). A secondary warning reads 'ПОДДЕЛКА ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫХ КАЗНАЧЕЙСКИХ БИЛЕТОВ ПРЕСЛЕДУЕТСЯ ПО ЗАКОНУ' (Counterfeiting of State Treasury Notes is prosecuted by law).
This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing, the standard security-printing technique for Soviet currency of this period. The fine line patterns, varying line densities, detailed cross-hatching, and microprinting observed throughout both sides are characteristic of high-quality bank note engraving. The sharp registration of colors and the crisp detail visible even in ornamental borders confirm professional security printing by the Soviet State Bank's printing facilities. No specific external security printer attribution is available for this Pick number, as Soviet notes of this era were produced in-house by state facilities.
The observed serial number 'Хи 546237' indicates this is from a standard circulation printing with Cyrillic letter prefix (Khi/Х) followed by numerical sequence. The 1947 date is fixed and consistent across the entire issue. No overprints, color variations, or other distinguishing variety characteristics are evident on this specimen. Soviet treasury notes of this period do not exhibit the signature or printer mark variations that create collecting varieties on many Western banknotes, though different print runs may show subtle engraving state differences imperceptible in standard visual inspection.
