RUSSIA--IMPERIAL. State Credit Note. 100 Rubles, 1882. P-A53. Very Fine 25 PPQ.A highly popular design which shows here printed on watermarked paper found 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. <p>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 can find of this piece. The plated date on the reverse, 1882, is the earliest date for this Pick number available. This pristine example is also free of any of the bank or teller stamps frequently found on pieces from this series. <p>Recently, a VG/Fine example that was heavily folded, and came with an 1884 date, sold at the Kansas City paper money show for $19,200. We anticipate our estimate to be fairly conservative considering, and therefore expect series bidding from serious collectors, and dealers alike. <p><p>Very Fine 25 PPQ.
