1912 Russian Empire 500 Ruble Banknote, Sig. Shipov Grades Select CU. Up for auction we have a beautiful, ornate Imperial Ruble note from the final decade of the Russian Empire under Tsar Nicholas II, which managed to survive through the Russian Revolution and Civil War. These notes became useless in the early Soviet period, and many were lost or destroyed. The 500 Ruble bill's obverse features a portrait of Tsar Peter The Great in armor seated next to a woman symbolizing Mother Russia. Reverse features the Russian Coat of Arms and various decorative elements. A Corey's Pick