Russia 1000 Roubles Banknote – Vladivostok Harbour & Cape Bryusa Lighthouse (1995 Issue)
Historical background
The early‑to‑mid 1990s were marked by rapid inflation and multiple currency reforms. The 1995 1000‑rouble note reflects this unstable period, circulating widely until the redenomination of 1998. Its design highlights Vladivostok, a symbolic gateway to the Pacific and a major naval and commercial hub.
Obverse design
The front of the note presents a detailed view of Vladivostok Harbour, one of Russia’s most important Far Eastern ports. The composition includes:
Vladivostok harbour at left, with ships and port structures
Commemorative column at right, a monument celebrating the city’s maritime heritage
Denomination 1000 and ТЫСЯЧА РУБЛЕЙ
Cyrillic inscriptions identifying the Bank of Russia
Anti‑forgery warning: Forgery of Bank of Russia notes is prosecuted by law
The colour palette is cool and maritime, reinforcing the Far Eastern theme.
Reverse design
The reverse continues the coastal imagery with:
The entrance to Vladivostok Bay
The Cape Bryusa Lighthouse, a landmark guiding ships into the harbour
Large denomination numerals and the date 1995
The layout is clean and symmetrical, typical of mid‑1990s Russian banknote design.
Key specifications
Feature Details
Country Russia
Issuer Central Bank of Russia
Period Russian Federation (1991–present)
Year 1995
Denomination 1000 Roubles
Currency Rouble (1992–1997)
Composition Paper
Size 137 × 61 mm
Shape Rectangular
Script Cyrillic
Watermark Denomination (left) and ship on memorial column (right)
Reference Pick 261
Demonetized Yes
Artistic and cultural significance
This note is one of the few Russian issues to focus entirely on the Far East. The harbour, lighthouse, and commemorative column emphasise:
Russia’s Pacific naval presence
The strategic importance of Vladivostok
A shift away from Soviet‑era imagery toward regional identity
Its compact size and crisp engraving make it a distinctive piece of 1990s Russian currency design.
Collecting appeal
Collectors value this note for:
Its role in the inflationary pre‑redenomination period
The strong maritime theme
Its connection to Vladivostok, a city rarely featured on Russian currency
The short lifespan of the 1992–1997 rouble
High‑grade examples are increasingly sought after as early post‑Soviet notes become more collectible.
