1909 Russian Empire 25 Ruble Banknote, Sig. Konshin Grades xf details. 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 relatively useless in the early Soviet period, due to hyperinflation and other factors, and many were lost or destroyed. The 25 Ruble note was very slightly larger than the 5 and 10 Rubles notes of the same issue, and differed quite a bit in visual design. The reverse featured a portrait of Tsar Alexander II, whereas the smaller bills featured no portraiture.