1919 - Armenia - 50 Rubles VF+

Sale!
1919 - Armenia - 50 Rubles VF+
CA$120.00 CA$85.00

This is a 1919 Armenian banknote for 50 Rubles, issued by the First Republic of Armenia during a brief but pivotal moment in the country’s history.

Identification

  • Country: Armenia (First Republic)

  • Denomination: 50 Rubles

  • Date: 1919

  • Languages: Armenian (top), French (“République Arménienne”), and Russian

  • Serial number: U.779824 (prefix and number shown twice)

  • Type: National paper currency (not Notgeld)

Historical context

After the collapse of the Russian Empire, Armenia declared independence in 1918. The young republic faced:

  • War and regional instability

  • Massive refugee movements

  • Inflation and shortages

To function economically, Armenia issued its own paper money, often denominated in rubles because the population was already accustomed to that unit from the Russian system. These notes circulated only a short time before Armenia was incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1920.

Design & symbolism

  • Heraldic animals (lions) on both sides

    • Symbolize strength, vigilance, and national resilience

  • Ornate guilloche borders

    • High-quality security engraving typical of early 20th-century state notes

  • Multilingual inscriptions

    • Armenian: national identity

    • French: international legitimacy

    • Russian: practical continuity for commerce

  • Large central “50” reinforces denomination during inflationary conditions

This is a serious state-issued note, not a local or emergency issue.