USSR, 1938, 5 Rubles, Condition: AUNC

Product Introduction

The 1938 Soviet Union 5-ruble treasury note (pilot version, Pick #P-215), commonly known as the "Paratrooper Pilot 5 Ruble," is a classic defense-themed banknote from the Stalinist era before World War II. It circulated throughout the Great Patriotic War and is a representative collectible of early Soviet aviation and military-themed banknotes.

Front Design Details

• The top is marked with the Russian inscription "USSR State Treasury Bonds (ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ КАЗНАЧЕЙСКИЙ БИЛЕТ СССР)," and the upper left corner is engraved with the Soviet Union's hammer and sickle five-pointed star emblem;

• The center features the Russian inscription "Пять рублей (Five Rubles)" in a stylized, wave-like background. The main color of the bond is warm reddish-brown;

• The right side features a portrait of a Soviet Air Force pilot in flight suit and parachute, against a backdrop of propeller-driven fighter planes, symbolizing aviation defense and the development of the Soviet Air Force. This is a classic Soviet military propaganda design from the 1930s;

• The bottom indicates the year of issue, 1938, and includes a Russian description of its legal circulation. It was legally valid in all government agencies and enterprises throughout the Soviet Union;

• This bond's serial number: ЫР 247173

Reverse Banknote Details

• A large number "5" in the center paired with the Russian inscription "ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ";

• The denominations are printed in the native languages ​​of the 15 constituent republics of the Soviet Union (Ukrainian, Belarusian, Georgian, Azerbaijani, Kazakh, etc.), reflecting the multi-ethnic federation nature of the Soviet Union;

• Full-page double-layered machine-engraved security features (red and blue interlaced floral patterns), with the numeral "5" symmetrically arranged in the four corners, against a background of finely textured purple-red interwoven lines;

• The top and bottom edges are marked with the denomination text in Ukrainian and Belarusian respectively, demonstrating complex craftsmanship and extremely high-quality engraving printing.

Condition Description

This is a circulated, used note. The paper has natural creases and slight yellowing from age, but no tears, extensive repairs, or severe mold. The engraving lines are complete and clear; the pilot's portrait, national emblem, and multilingual scripts are all legible. The serial number is intact. It is in its original circulated condition, untouched by washing, ironing, or other artificial treatments, making it suitable for beginners in Soviet banknote collecting.

Specifications