The 500 Rouble denomination was the highest-value note in the 1898 Imperial series and circulated almost exclusively among banks, merchants, and the Treasury — ordinary Russians rarely handled one. Konshin served as State Bank Director from 1910, which places this specific signature combination firmly in the 1910–1912 window of the P#-6c run, despite the 1898 base date printed on the note. That date reflects the series authorization, not the year of printing or issue.
The State Printing Works in St. Petersburg had by this period developed sophisticated intaglio and watermark capabilities, and the 500 Rouble notes used a complex laid-paper watermark as the primary security measure. Counterfeiting at this denomination was a serious enough threat that the notes were tracked through the banking system rather than released freely into retail circulation.
The 500 Rouble denomination was the highest-value note in the 1898 Imperial series and circulated almost exclusively among banks, merchants, and the Treasury — ordinary Russians rarely handled one. Konshin served as State Bank Director from 1910, which places this specific signature combination firmly in the 1910–1912 window of the P#-6c run, despite the 1898 base date printed on the note. That date reflects the series authorization, not the year of printing or issue.
The State Printing Works in St. Petersburg had by this period developed sophisticated intaglio and watermark capabilities, and the 500 Rouble notes used a complex laid-paper watermark as the primary security measure. Counterfeiting at this denomination was a serious enough threat that the notes were tracked through the banking system rather than released freely into retail circulation.