A banknote after a well done restoration, but also in initial good condition. It can be seen under the light with virtually no rips, tears or losses. The conservation treatments were probably only intended to clean the surface and strengthen it. The effect of glossy areas of reinforcing preparation, visible in places in sidelight, remained. Edges slightly leveled, slightly trimmed, but with no obvious loss for dimensions. The banknote is preserved at 76-76.5x117mm (cataloged at 77x118mm).
Silver rubles, however, are banknotes for which the state of preservation is not the primary determinant of their attractiveness. These are items that are so rare that in their case it is the acquisition of the art itself that matters most. The present piece, relating to the typical condition of the ruble banknotes of the Bank of Poland is well preserved.
It is an issue from the second type, dated 1857-1866 (orange). More on ruble issues here. One of 4 vintages of this type and the second most rare, definitely rarer than 1858 and rarer than 1866.
Series 193, so far unrecorded in Cz. Milczak's catalog, clearly visible on the reverse. Visibility of the series is not common for rubles, as the series is placed centrally on the reverse, i.e. at the place where they are most often folded, and thus cornered by rubbing, often just worn off. The handwritten signature on the reverse is also well preserved and visible, which is not common with ruble issues either.
An attractive collector's value. A rare banknote.
