50 Roubles - Military Trade Cheque

Vneshtorgreklama — sometimes rendered as Vneshposyltorg — operated a network of hard-currency retail stores known as Beryozka, through which Soviet citizens who had earned foreign exchange abroad could purchase goods unavailable in ordinary shops. These cheques, denominated in rouble units but backed by convertible currency equivalents, functioned as a parallel monetary system deliberately isolated from the domestic ruble. Possessing them without a legitimate source was technically illegal, though a thriving black market existed regardless.

The 1976 series was issued specifically for military and civilian personnel attached to Soviet foreign postings. Counterfeiting attempts were documented throughout the Brezhnev years, prompting periodic series changes.