Russia 1000 Roubles Banknote – Kremlin, Tricolour Flag & Troitskaya Tower (1993 Issue)
Historical setting
The note was issued during the early years of the Russian Federation, a time marked by inflation, institutional restructuring, and the creation of new national symbols. The 1993 series was among the first to prominently feature the Russian tricolour, signalling a break from Soviet iconography. It circulated until its demonetization on 31 December 2002.
Obverse design
The front of the note presents a patriotic and political composition centred on Moscow’s seat of government.
Russian tricolour flag flying above the House of Government (often referred to as the White House) within the Kremlin complex.
Large denomination 1000 and the inscription ТЫСЯЧА РУБЛЕЙ.
Cyrillic text identifying the Bank of Russia.
Anti‑forgery warning: Forgery of Bank of Russia notes is prosecuted by law.
Cool blue‑green colour palette typical of early‑1990s Russian notes.
The imagery emphasises the authority of the new Russian state and its emerging national identity.
Reverse design
The reverse continues the Kremlin theme with a wider architectural view.
Moscow Kremlin, including the prominent Troitskaya Tower, one of the main ceremonial entrances.
Large denomination numerals and the year 1993.
Clean, symmetrical layout with strong line engraving.
This pairing of the Government House and the Kremlin reinforces the note’s political symbolism.
Key specifications
Feature Details
Country Russia
Issuer Central Bank of Russia
Period Russian Federation (1991–present)
Type Standard circulation banknote
Year 1993
Denomination 1000 Roubles
Currency Rouble (1992–1997)
Composition Paper
Size 151 × 68 mm
Shape Rectangular
Script Cyrillic
Watermark Stars
Reference Pick 257
Demonetized 31 December 2002
Artistic and cultural significance
This note is one of the earliest to visually define the identity of the Russian Federation. Key themes include:
National rebirth through the tricolour flag.
Political authority via the Kremlin and Government House.
Break from Soviet design, shifting toward modern state symbolism.
Its architecture‑focused artwork makes it a distinctive piece of early post‑Soviet numismatics.
Collecting appeal
Collectors value the 1993 1000‑rouble note for:
Its role in the inflationary pre‑redenomination era.
The strong Kremlin imagery.
Its relatively short lifespan before the 1998 currency reform.
Its affordability in circulated grades and rising interest in crisp examples.
It remains a key note for anyone building a complete set of early Russian Federation banknotes.
