USSR 100 Ruble Banknote, 1947 (1947 Currency Reform Issue)
USSR
1947
Soviet Era (1947 Currency Reform)
100
ГК 680024
Style
The banknote features a prominent oval portrait of V.I. Lenin on the left, framed by laurel and oak branches and a hammer and sickle emblem. The top center displays 'Билет Государственного Банка СССР' (Banknote of the State Bank of the USSR). The State Emblem of the USSR (hammer and sickle over a globe, encircled by wheat sheaves with 16 ribbons) is centered above the denomination 'СТО РУБЛЕЙ' (One Hundred Rubles). Below the main denomination, a security text states that banknotes are backed by gold and other assets. The lower center has a large '100' in an ornate frame, surrounded by the denomination written in 16 languages of the Soviet republics. The serial number is printed in red, and the year '1947' is at the bottom center. The design is characterized by classical Soviet symbolism, intricate guilloche patterns, and a multi-color print predominantly in light brown, green, and blue tones.
Description
This 100 Ruble banknote from 1947 is a significant piece from the Soviet era, issued as part of the 1947 currency reform, which aimed to stabilize the Soviet financial system after World War II. It features the iconic portrait of Vladimir Lenin, a common motif on Soviet currency. The banknote's design is rich with national symbols, including the State Emblem of the USSR and the hammer and sickle, reflecting the ideological foundations of the Soviet state. A notable feature is the denomination printed in 16 languages, representing the then 16 Soviet Socialist Republics, underscoring the multinational character of the Union. The security text proclaiming backing by gold and assets was a standard feature intended to instill confidence in the currency. Collectors often seek these notes for their historical importance and distinctive Soviet design elements. The 'ГК' series prefix for the serial number indicates a specific production batch for this issue.