STACK'S BOWERS OFFERS SCARCE RUSSIAN BANKNOTES

An 1882 Pick A53 100 Rubles Rainbow note is offered in lot 30229. It features a highly popular design printed on watermarked paper and in the nicest condition we have seen or handled for the type. Typically these pieces are found in the lower Fine range with tears, holes, splits, and stains. The reverse, the rainbow colored side which features Catherine the II at center, is almost always compromised.

This is the highest denomination for the series, and as such, this piece has been heavily counterfeited. The giveaways on the fake pieces are often the eyes on the Empress, or an absence of the watermarked paper. Based on our research of auction archives, this is the only fully original example we have found of this piece. The plated date on the reverse, 1882, is the earliest date available for this Pick number. This pristine example is free of any of the bank or teller stamps frequently found on pieces from this series.

Another highlight of the sale in the Russian Section is a 25 Rubles State Credit note in lot 30225. This is the first example, in specimen or issued, that we have handled for this type. Of the dates known, this 1876 is the earliest available date. At left is the monogram of Czar Alexander II with the crowned double headed eagle above. The purple panel at left is Cyrillic and roughly translates to ""Obtain from the Highest Manifesto of 1 June 1843, pertaining to the issue of state credit notes."

The note has predominantly gray text, with black serial numbers and a black plated signature. The text translates to "State credit note. Upon presentation, it is issued from the cash register of the State Bank TWENTY FIVE RUBLES in silver or gold coin." The obligation is in purple. A watermark of Czar Alexey Mikhailovich is seen when held to the light as are the letters GKB, wavy lines, and the obligation. This is a classic display of the advanced, and intricate watermark work of Imperial Russia. The edges are rounded and deckled. PCGS Currency mentions Small Edge Tears at Right, and Minor Stains on the holder.

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