The main drawing is 500 rubles. The most expensive banknotes of modern Russia

  • 09.04.2020

The 500 ruble banknote is a very popular banknote used for cash payments. To minimize counterfeit ones among 500 ruble banknotes banknotes The Bank of Russia is constantly increasing the level of money protection and periodically introduces more and more modified banknotes into circulation, with strengthening of protective functions, removing old banknotes from circulation naturally (as dilapidated ones). That is why today there are already four types of Bank of Russia banknotes with a face value of 500 rubles in circulation:

How can you distinguish modifications of 500 ruble banknotes from 1997 by eye? On the front side of the modified banknote, to the right of the relief signs for people with impaired vision, there is the text “MODIFICATION 20__”, which is located vertically.

All four types of 500 ruble banknotes (old and new) are required to be accepted for payments at face value throughout the territory Russian Federation. The new 500 ruble banknote of the 2010 modification is considered one of the most protected from counterfeiting.

General description of the banknote: size 500 rubles, 1997 model – 150 x 65 mm. The banknote is made on high-quality cotton paper in a light purple shade. The predominant color is violet-blue. The paper contains fibers of light green, red and purple colors, as well as a vertically located security thread with repeating text, visible through light. The paper has local watermarks placed on the left and right of the coupon margins. The Bank of Russia emblem is made with optically variable ink (OVI). The banknote has several machine-readable security features.

The main image on the front side is a monument to Peter I against the backdrop of a sailboat in the port of Arkhangelsk. The main image on the reverse side is a panorama of the Solovetsky Monastery, a complex on the Solovetsky Islands in the White Sea, the main historical and architectural landmark of the Arkhangelsk region. Since the 15th century there was a famous monastery there - a stronghold of monastic holiness, a center of church books.

500 rubles of the 1997 model is not the first banknote with a similar design; previously, the Bank of Russia issued a banknote of non-denominated 500,000 rubles in 1995. The subject of the banknote is engravings with views of Arkhangelsk. The front side depicts a monument to Peter I, a sailboat and the building of the Marine and River Station in Arkhangelsk. The reverse side depicts the Solovetsky Monastery. The watermarks are 500,000 and a portrait of Peter I.

To date, this banknote is the most expensive during this period, and its price varies from 5,000 to 75,000 rubles, depending on condition.

The modified banknote of the Bank of Russia of the 1997 model with a denomination of 500 rubles, modified in 2010, has a format and subject design similar to the banknote of the Bank of Russia of the corresponding denomination of the modification of 2004. But the color and artistic design of the front and back sides of the new (fourth) banknote of the Bank of Russia with a denomination of 500 rubles of the 1997 model (modifications of 2010) have been partially changed, which is noticeable when compared. What is this connected with?

On the banknote of the modification before 2010, the churches of the Solovetsky Monastery, depicted on the bill, are crowned not with domed structures with crosses, but with hipped roofs. The monastery ensemble acquired such a sad appearance as a result of fires in 1923 and 1932. blazed when the archipelago was under the jurisdiction of the Solovetsky special-purpose camp (“SLON”, “Solovki”). Thus, the banknote depicts not a monastery, but rather the largest special-purpose forced labor camp located on its territory, one of the units of the Gulag. Later, in the early 60s, restoration work was carried out to restore the original appearance of the Solovetsky Monastery and create the Solovetsky Historical, Architectural and Natural Museum-Reserve. And in 1988 the monastery was transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church.

In addition, the two-masted ship heading to the monastery-camp also cannot be located where it is depicted, since in fact the view on the bill is not from the sea, but from the opposite side - the cramped Holy Lake, which is impossible to navigate. In 2011, the Bank of Russia issued a new modification of the 500 ruble banknote, where the image of the Solovetsky Monastery is completely different, from a different angle, with domes and without a ship.

There is another curiosity associated with this bill. The front side of the banknote depicts a monument to Peter the Great, the Marine and River Station of Arkhangelsk and a three-masted sailboat. There are incorrect opinions that the three-masted sailing ship depicted is the barque “Sedov”, which came to Arkhangelsk in 1984 for the 400th anniversary of the city. However, the former chief artist of Goznak, Igor Krylkov, admitted that at the last moment (before approval of the design of the 500,000 banknote of 1995), replacing a modern river vessel that did not satisfy the Central Bank, he redrew the first sailing ship he came across from a photograph, which later turned out to be a ship The Argentine Navy Libertad, which has never entered Russian waters. In the 2010 modification, the image of the sailboat was also changed.

No person is immune from situations in which they fall into their hands. Unfortunately, every year the number of counterfeit banknotes increases, which forces one to be attentive and careful. Most often there are counterfeit 500 rubles. The banknote is common in circulation and does not attract attention like 1000 or 5000 rubles. It is simply not profitable for fraudsters to counterfeit money of a lower denomination.

Distinctive characteristics of fakes

Specialists in money matters emphasize that the authenticity of a 500 ruble bill should begin to be checked by the presence of signs of counterfeit. For example, the crunch of genuine and counterfeit money is almost the same, but the surface relief will be significantly different. Counterfeits are smooth to the touch, but real bills are rough. Counterfeit money is either completely absent or has an unconventional design. They may be very dark or blurry. If there is a magnetic thread, it is very sloppy. A silver stripe running over the numbers in the denomination of a banknote is a clear sign of a counterfeit. It is especially worth looking closely at the small letters, which are practically indistinguishable on counterfeit money. Microperforation is done with a regular needle, and not with a laser, in accordance with technology.

General signs of real money

Most often, scammers try to counterfeit money in denominations of 500 rubles, 1000 and 5000. This is due to the fact that counterfeiting a 100-ruble bill promises small benefits, but the risk of punishment remains very high. According to the instructions of the Bank of Russia, banknote 500 rubles, in fact, like banknotes of other denominations, must have the following characteristic parameters:

  • The upper and lower parts of the ribbon with an ornament on the front side should be decorated with lines of microtext, which are very easy to see even with slight magnification.
  • In certain parts of the security thread, which is visible on the surface of the banknote in the area of ​​the shaped window, if you tilt the bill, you can see repeating numbers that determine the denomination of the money. They are usually separated by diamonds or rainbow glitter without any image.
  • There are subtle strokes on the edges of the coupon fields of the note. They are designed for people with poor vision and are distinguished by increased relief, which is easy to perceive by touch.
  • The monotonous green field is decorated with blue and yellow stripes, which can be seen if the bill is tilted.
  • If we consider 500 rubles, the bill opposite the light source will be decorated with the number “500”. You should look for it on the right side of the coat of arms. The numerical value is made of even parallel rows of micro-holes that cannot be felt to the touch.

General individual features 500 rubles

Each Russian banknote is characterized by the presence of individual characteristics. If you study 500 rubles, the bill should have the following features:

  • The main color of the banknote is purple.
  • Please note that the city on the 500 ruble banknote is Arkhangelsk. The front side should be decorated with a monument with a sailing ship and the building of the Marine and River Station. The reverse side of the banknote is decorated by the Solovetsky Monastery.
  • When viewing the banknote at an angle, in the area of ​​a single-color field, the number “500” appears. Each digit of the number has its own color. By turning the banknote, but without changing the viewing angle, you can see how the numbers change their shades.
  • The watermark in the form of Peter I has both light areas and dark areas that smoothly flow into each other. Near the portrait there is a number “500”, which is a tone lighter than the portrait itself.
  • On the back of the banknote, in the area where the security thread is located, you can see the repeating number “500”, which is divided by diamonds. If you look at the clearance under the rays of light, the numbers will be light against a dark background.
  • The image of the sea terminal is assembled from individual graphic details.

1997 banknotes

Like everyone else monetary units, 500 rubles - a banknote issued in 1997 and put into circulation in 1998, has its own security features. There are about 12 of them, 4 of which can be seen using special equipment. In addition to the basic parameters characteristic of each 500-ruble banknote, we can talk about the following features:

  • Availability of multi-tone watermark.
  • The security thread has a thickness of 1 millimeter, and on it is a combination of letters and numbers “CBR 500”.
  • When examining a banknote in the light, you can pay attention to the mutual complementarity of the patterns on the front and back sides.
  • When exposed to the light and at different angles, the ornamental ribbon will have the inscription “PP”. Letters can be light on a dark background, or vice versa.
  • The banknote is equipped with security violet, red and green fibers, the arrangement of which has no patterns.
  • The presence of raised inscriptions: “Ticket of the Bank of Russia” and two dots, two stripes.
  • The 500 ruble banknote of 1997 is protected by a micropattern that is not visible to the naked eye. When copying a banknote, moire appears in the form of dark and light patterns.
  • The presence of two microtexts: “500” and “CBD 500”.
  • The text of the emblem and digital denomination changes from brown to greenish when tilted.

2001 modifications

The old-style 500 ruble banknote (1997) is almost identical in format, subject and color scheme with modification of 2001. The only innovation is the embossed inscription “Modification 2001” It is located in the same place as other elements for people with poor vision. The main difference between the old and new banknotes is the machine-readable signs of authenticity. Under ultraviolet light, the background glow of the paper is absent, and the gray elements glow green. Such manipulations did not bring results and counterfeit 500 ruble bills did not appear in everyday use less frequently. This forced the government to issue new banknotes in 2004 and 2010.

Modifications 2004

In 2004, the Russian government issued new 500-ruble banknotes, which were modeled after the 1997 banknote. Among the main differences, it is worth highlighting 4 protective fibers. In addition to red, green and two-color stripes, gray ones also appeared. The security thread is now stitched into the bill. The denomination is presented in perforated form. The microperforation is smooth on both sides and is imperceptible to the touch. Moiré stripes appear in a special field when copying. Gray color was chosen for printing the denomination. Significant differences between the 1997 and 2004 banknotes are noticeable when examining them under ultraviolet light. On the front side you can find the inscription “modification 2004”. It can be felt with your fingers. The size of the 500 ruble bill of 2004, like other years of issue, is 150 millimeters by 65 millimeters.

Modification 2010

The last 500 ruble banknote was issued in 2010. The banknote features the design and format used in 1997, 2001 and 2004. The artistic content and plot have been changed. The reverse side of the banknote is decorated with a view of the Solovetsky Monastery, but from a completely unconventional perspective. The front side of the banknote is decorated with the building of the river station, which is significantly shaded. The first plan went to the image of a sailboat. The right coupon field is decorated with a combined watermark. is now written out of numbers that imperceptibly increase in the direction from left to right. Individual parts of the image are characterized by the presence of magnetic properties. When checking the banknote in ultraviolet radiation, it will be radically different from the design that the 500 ruble bill of 1997 had, and all banknotes of other issues.

If you get your hands on a fake

If you get your hands on a counterfeit banknote, you should not try to sell it. The most correct solution is to tear up and destroy the fake. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of the money, you need to contact the bank. However, in this situation it is worth considering that when recording the fact of the presence of a fake, employees financial institution representatives of law enforcement agencies will be called for further investigation. If you plan to borrow or provide a fairly large amount of money for temporary use, you need to protect yourself by writing down all serial numbers of banknotes. This will allow you to prove both their authenticity and counterfeit in certain circumstances.

Be vigilant

A genuine sample of a 500 ruble banknote must be carefully studied to protect yourself from unpleasant situations. Despite the Russian government's efforts to protect national currency, the number of fakes is increasing. The number of counterfeits increased by more than 13.3% in the first quarter of 2015 alone. Since the beginning of the year, law enforcement agencies have managed to identify 16 thousand counterfeit bills. The first place in counterfeiting went to the 5000 banknote. In just 4 months, 3,300 banknotes with a face value of 5,000 thousand and 435 banknotes with a face value of 500 rubles were withdrawn from circulation. The main number of frauds was recorded in the territory of the Central federal district(12 thousand counterfeit bills). There are practically no fakes in Sevastopol (14 pieces). Last year was completed with the seizure of about 80 thousand counterfeit banknotes in different parts of the country. Fake foreign currency, in particular dollars and euros, are not so widespread in the country.

The 500 ruble banknote is a very popular banknote used for cash payments. In order to minimize counterfeit banknotes among 500 ruble banknotes, the Bank of Russia is constantly increasing the level of money protection. The effectiveness of this work can be concluded by analyzing the dynamics of identification in banking system Russia counterfeit banknotes. Statistics on counterfeit banknotes in Russia over the past nine years look like this:


YearsTotal counterfeit banknotes detected (number of pieces)Incl. counterfeit banknotes in denominations of 500 rubles were detected (number of pieces)Percentage of total detection
2008 132941 3273 2,46
2009 155222 1906 1,23
2010 128700 1093 0,85
2011 94567 2574 2,72
2012 88029 1417 1,61
2013 71433 7494 10,49
2014 80243 2100 1,95
2015 71949 2159 3,00
2016 61046 2015 3,3
2017 (Q1-3)35393 565 1,6

In order to reduce the possibility of counterfeiting banknotes, the Bank of Russia periodically introduces more and more modified banknotes into circulation, with enhanced protective functions, removing old banknotes from circulation naturally (as dilapidated ones). That is why today there are already four types of Bank of Russia banknotes with a face value of 500 rubles in circulation:


  1. sample 1997 - put into circulation on January 1, 1998

  2. sample 1997 modification 2001 - put into circulation on January 1, 2001

  3. sample 1997 modification 2004 - put into circulation on August 16, 2004

  4. sample 1997 modification 2010 - put into circulation on September 6, 2011

All four types of 500 ruble banknotes (old and new) are required to be accepted for payments at face value throughout the Russian Federation. The new 500 ruble banknote of the 2010 modification is considered one of the most secure.

The size of a 500 ruble bill is 150 x 65 mm. The predominant color is violet-blue. The main image of the front side is a monument to Peter I against the backdrop of a sailing ship in the port of Arkhangelsk. The main image of the reverse side is the Solovetsky Monastery.

But the color and artistic design of the front and back sides of the new (fourth) Bank of Russia 500 ruble banknote of the 1997 model (modifications of 2010) has been partially changed, which is noticeable when compared. So, for example, the Solovetsky Monastery is depicted from a different angle, and the general color background has changed slightly.

This material lists only security features that can be verified with the naked eye, and machine-readable security features can be found on the Bank of Russia website.

500 ruble banknote of the Bank of Russia, sample 1997.

To describe the signs of authenticity, here is an image (photo) of a 500 ruble banknote from 1997:

Left side of a 500 ruble bill from 1997


reverse side of a 500 ruble banknote from 1997

There are 10 signs of authenticity of the 500 ruble banknote of the 1997 model, of which 2 (3 and 6) are machine readable. I present the signs available for simple checking of banknotes, which the Bank of Russia divides into four types and is described as follows:


  • 1 - Multi-tone watermarks (2 pcs.) - located on the coupon fields of banknotes: on the narrow one - the digital designation of the denomination 500, on the wide one - the image of Peter I. When viewed against the light, the watermarks show areas both darker and lighter in comparison with a common paper background. On the watermark, located on a wide coupon field, smooth transitions of tones are clearly visible - from dark to light.

  • 2 - Security thread - a transparent security thread 1 mm wide is embedded in the paper. In transmitted light (up to the light) on the security thread, repeating combinations of letters and numbers “TsBR 500” are visible, having an oblique outline, vertical displacement and execution in a straight and inverted image.

  • 3.1 - 3.3 - Combination of fragments of the front and back sides - when examining the banknote against the light, the fragments of the front and back sides are precisely combined, forming a solid pattern, the uncolored elements are filled with the color of the fragments of the opposite side.


  • 4.1 – Micropattern, these are drawings of thin lines located on the coupon fields of the reverse side of the banknote; to the naked eye they are perceived as an even field. When photocopying, images may be distorted or light or dark patterns that do not exist on the original may be revealed (moiré).

  • 5.1 - Positive microtext (repeating number 500) – visible with a magnifying glass on the back of the bill at the top of the banknote, which is formed by repeating numbers 500.

  • 5.2 - Negative microtext (repeating text “CBR 500”) - visible with a magnifying glass; on the reverse side of the bill, in the lower part of the banknote, light, repeating text “CBR 500” appears on dark stripes.

  • 6 - Security fibers embedded in paper - three types of security fibers are randomly located in the paper: red, light green and purple. Red and light green have a red and yellow-green glow, respectively, in UV rays. Violet protective fibers do not glow in UV rays.


  • 7 - Hidden image of the letters "PP" (Kipp - effect). When viewing the banknote at an acute angle to the surface, against the light source, the letters “PP” become visible on the ornamental ribbon. Depending on the orientation of the banknote, the letters will appear light on a dark background or dark on a light background.

  • 8 - An image element printed with metallic ink. The digital denomination is made with metallized paint with a silvery sheen, which is clearly visible in obliquely incident rays of light.

  • 10 - Optically Variable Ink (OVI). When the banknote is tilted, the text of the Bank of Russia emblem, which has a metallic shine effect, changes from red-brown to golden-green.


  • 9.1 - The inscription "TICKET OF THE BANK OF RUSSIA". The mark for people with impaired vision and the text “Ticket of the Bank of Russia” have increased relief, perceived by touch.

  • 9.2 - Marker for people with low vision. The mark for people with impaired vision and the text “Ticket of the Bank of Russia” have increased relief, perceived by touch.

500 ruble banknote of the Bank of Russia, model 1997, modification 2001.

An image (photo) of a 500 ruble bill from 1997, modified in 2001, looks like this:


left side of the 500 ruble bill, modification 2001


reverse side of the 500 ruble banknote, modification 2001


The image of the 500 ruble Bank of Russia banknote of the 2001 modification differs from the 1997 sample only in ultraviolet light.
And also, on the front side of the modified banknote, to the right of the relief signs for people with impaired vision, there is the text “MODIFICATION 2001,” which is located vertically.

500 ruble banknote of the Bank of Russia, sample 1997, modified in 2004.

A photo of a 500 ruble banknote from 1997, modified in 2004, from the front and back looks like this:


left side of the 500 ruble bill, modification 2004


reverse side of the 500 ruble banknote, modification 2004


The modified banknote has a format, color and design similar to the 1997 Bank of Russia banknote.
The image of the 500 ruble banknote of the Bank of Russia of the 2004 modification has the following differences from the 1997 sample:

  • on the front side of the modified banknote, to the right of the relief signs for people with impaired vision, there is the text “MODIFICATION 2004,” which is located vertically.

  • the digital denomination is printed in gray ink;

  • The images of the banknote in ultraviolet and infrared light differ from the 1997 banknote.

New signs of authenticity have also been introduced:

  • 2 - A metallized diving security thread is embedded in the paper, five sections of which extend to the surface of the banknote from the reverse side. In transmitted light (against the light), the security thread looks like a solid dark stripe;

  • 6 - Four types of protective fibers are randomly located in the paper: red, light green, two-color and gray. Two-color security fibers appear purple to the naked eye. Red and light green have a red and yellow-green glow, respectively, in UV rays. On two-color fibers, red areas have a red glow.

  • 12 – Micro-perforation - when viewing a banknote against a light source, an image of the number 500 is observed, formed by absolutely even parallel rows of micro-holes. The paper at the location of the micro-holes should not be perceived as rough.

  • 11 - Hidden moire stripes (MVC) - Four types of security fibers are randomly located in the paper: red, light green, two-color and gray. Two-color security fibers appear purple to the naked eye. Red and light green have a red and yellow-green glow, respectively, in UV rays. On two-color fibers, red areas have a red glow.
    The remaining features remained unchanged and can be seen in the description of the 500 ruble banknote of the 1997 model.

New 500 ruble banknote of the Bank of Russia, sample 1997, modified in 2010.

A photo of the new 500 ruble banknote of 1997, modified in 2010, from the front and back looks like this:


left side of the 500 ruble bill, modification 2010


reverse side of the 500 ruble banknote, modification 2010


New banknote 500 rubles already has significant changes in protective properties, so descriptions of all are given for it:

Signs of authenticity controlled by light

  • 1 - Combined watermark. It is located on the right coupon field and includes a half-tone watermark (portrait of Peter I) and an adjacent filigree watermark - a digital designation of the denomination (the number 500). The filigree watermark has areas lighter than the paper and halftone watermark. It is distinguished by the presence of dark strokes that shade the numbers and create the effect of their volume.

  • 2 - Security thread. The paper is embedded with a metallized security thread 5 mm wide with a periodically repeating image (the number “500” in upright and inverted outline and a diamond), made by demetallization. On the reverse side of the banknote, the security thread appears as a gray stripe with dark repeating numbers “500” separated by diamonds. When held up to light, numbers and diamonds appear light against a dark field.

  • 12 – Microperforation. When examining the banknote against a light source, to the right of the image of a sailboat, the number “500” is observed, made in absolutely even parallel rows of micro-holes, impalpable to the touch.

Signs of authenticity, controlled using x8-x10 magnifying glass

  • 4.1 – Micropattern. These are fine line designs located in the center of the front side of the banknote, as well as on the back of the banknote in the upper and lower parts of the coupon fields. To the naked eye they are perceived as a flat field.

  • 4.2 - An image formed by small graphic elements. The image of the marine terminal building in Arkhangelsk consists of individual small graphic elements.

  • 5.1 - Microtext is positive (repeating number 500). At the top of the banknote there is a positive microtext in the form of fourteen lines of the repeating number “500”.

  • 5.2 - Microtext - transition from negative to positive (repeating text “CBRF500”). At the bottom of the banknote there is microtext in the form of six stripes with the repeating text “CBRF500”, which is made with a transition from negative to positive, and from left to right.

  • 5.3 - Microtext on the border of the decorative tape (repeating number 500, separated by a dot). On the upper and lower borders of the decorative tape image there is microtext in the form of repeating numbers “500” separated by dots.

  • 6 - Security fibers embedded in the paper. There are two types of security fibers randomly located in the paper: two-color fibers of variable cross-section with alternating sections of red and blue, and gray fibers. Under the influence of UV light, red areas have a red glow. The blue areas and gray fibers do not glow when exposed to UV light.

  • 8 - Colorless embossing. Thin colorful strokes located along the left edge of the front side of the banknote, as well as the strokes at the end of the text “Ticket of the Bank of Russia” turn into colorless embossing.

Signs of authenticity controlled by changing viewing angles

  • 2.1 - The effect of changing the image on the security thread. On a fragment of a security thread extending onto the surface of the paper - on the front side of the banknote in a figured window ("stained glass window"), when the banknote is tilted, either repeating images of the numbers "500" separated by rhombuses, or a rainbow shine without an image, are visible.

  • 7 - Hidden image of the letters "PP" (Kipp - effect). When viewing the banknote at an acute angle to the surface, against the light source, the letters “PP” become visible on the decorative tape. Depending on the position of the banknote, the letters will appear light on a dark background or dark on a light background.

  • 11 - Hidden multi-color image (number "500"). On a plain field, when the banknote is tilted, the number “500” appears, each digit of which has its own color. When you rotate the banknote (without changing the viewing angle), the color of each number changes.

  • 11.1 - Hidden multi-color image when exposed to UV light. Under the influence of UV light, on a single-color field, when the banknote is tilted, the number “500” appears, each digit of which has its own color. When you rotate the banknote (without changing the viewing angle), the color of each number changes.

Signs of authenticity controlled by touch (increased relief)


  • 9.1 - The inscription “TICKET OF THE BANK OF RUSSIA” has increased relief, perceived by touch.

  • 9.2 - Mark for people with impaired vision - has increased relief, perceived by touch.

  • 9.3 - The emblem of the Bank of Russia has increased relief, perceived by touch.

  • 9.4 - Thin relief strokes located along the edges of the coupon fields of the front side of the banknote have increased relief perceived by touch.

Almost every day we deal with money: we pay with it in stores, at gas stations, public transport, bars and restaurants. But how often do we look at domestic paper bills? The main character of our article will be the Russian 500 ruble banknote, which we will closely examine and study to the smallest detail!

A little history...

This banknote has several unofficial names: “pyatihatka”, “petenka”, “violet”. The latter nickname is obviously related to the dominant color of the banknote. In Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel “The White Guard” you can find another interesting name: “Peter”.

The first 500-ruble banknote in Russian history was issued in 1898. At that time it was the largest in terms of face value in the empire. Over the next hundred years, the design of the banknote was changed eight more times.

It is curious that banknotes in denominations of five hundred rubles were issued not only by the central (official) government of the country. At the same time, such banknotes were printed in several separatist entities within modern Russia that existed in the 20s of the twentieth century (for example, in the Far Eastern Republic or the Don Circle).

500 ruble banknote: photo and brief description

The design of the banknote we are interested in was developed in 1997, although it is almost identical to the 1995 banknote with a face value of 500 thousand rubles. Throughout its existence, it has experienced four releases (in 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2011). By appearance All these bills are not much different.

Size of a 500 ruble bill: 150 by 65 millimeters. Color – purple. The bill itself is made of cotton paper with red, green and light purple fibers.

The left side of the bill is decorated with a vertically oriented colored ornament (on the reverse it is located on the right side). Both sides of the banknote indicate its denomination (number and letters). In the upper left corner of the obverse there is a double-headed eagle with a semicircular inscription in a brown circle: “Bank of Russia”.

What is shown on the 500 ruble banknote

500 banknote Russian rubles dedicated to the harsh but picturesque northern region - Pomerania. In this regard, the color design of the banknote in purple tones looks very organic and appropriate. So, which city’s sights are depicted on the 500 ruble banknote?

The front side of the banknote is entirely dedicated Arkhangelsk. This is one of the largest northern cities on the planet, administrative center region of the same name with a population of about 350 thousand people. Arkhangelsk is the most important center of northern culture and northern traditions of the Pomeranian region.

The obverse of the 500-ruble bill depicts a real monument to Peter the Great in Arkhangelsk. At the feet of the monument flutters a ribbon with the name of the city. And in the background there is a sea and river station of Arkhangelsk.

On the back of the banknote you can see a panorama Solovetsky Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery from the side of the Holy Lake. An ancient two-masted koch is floating along the water surface of the lake - a traditional means of transportation for the inhabitants of Pomerania in the past. By the way, this ship is no longer on the reverse of the 2011 banknote.

Attractions on Pyatikhatka

Between Arkhangelsk and the Solovetsky Monastery - about 250 kilometers. But in your wallet, these two geographical objects can be very close, you just have to turn the 500 ruble bill over to the other side!

The Arkhangelsk monument to Peter the Great, which adorns the front side of the “pyatikhatka”, was inaugurated back in 1914. Its author was the famous sculptor Mark Antokolsky. By the way, exactly the same statue adorns the city of Taganrog. Monks from the Solovetsky Monastery worked on the manufacture of the pedestal for the monument in Arkhangelsk.

With the arrival Soviet power The monument to Peter the Great was toppled from its pedestal, and in its place a grandiose monument to the victims of the intervention was erected. For a long time, the statue of the emperor lay on the banks of the Northern Dvina. And only after the war it was reinstalled on the city embankment.

In the background of the 500-ruble bill is depicted sea-river station of the city of Arkhangelsk. A huge white building for it was built in the early 70s of the last century.

The reverse of the “pyatihatka” is dedicated to the most famous landmark of the Russian North. The reverse side depicts the Solovetsky Monastery - the largest Orthodox monastery with an interesting and difficult fate. The monastery was founded back in 1436, and from the 16th century until 1939 it operated as a prison. Among the most famous prisoners in its history are Count Pyotr Tolstoy, Ukrainian chieftain Pyotr Kalnyshevsky, philosopher Alexander Meyer and others.

Solovetsky Monastery on the banknote and in reality: funny differences

There are several very interesting points associated with the image of the Solovetsky Monastery on the 500-ruble banknote. First of all, on the banknote the shrine is depicted in a dilapidated, dilapidated state and without a single dome. The monastery remained in this form in the mid-twentieth century. Most likely, the author used an old Soviet photo complex when creating the drawing.

By the way, this error has already been corrected on the 2011 banknote.

The tallest building of the complex– the bell tower – in Soviet times it was crowned with a five-pointed star. But for some reason the author decided to replace it with a cross, which was installed on the tip of the dome only in 1992.

The third drawing error is large sea vessel, which is rushing “in full sail” towards the monastery walls. But in reality, the Holy Lake depicted on the banknote is too small for such a ship. Its width does not exceed three hundred meters. In addition, the reservoir is in no way connected with the White Sea.

Another interesting detail: the two-masted ship in the picture is driven by a man in a black robe, who looks very similar to a monk.

Fake banknotes

“Counterfeiting of Bank of Russia notes is punishable by law”- such a warning can be seen in the lower left corner of any 500-ruble bill. However, this does not stop attackers at all.

As a rule, banknotes with denominations of 5, 10, 50 or 100 rubles are counterfeited extremely rarely. But the chance of encountering fake “five-hat cars” in our country is very high. This is understandable: the risk in this case is more justified.

To confuse the scammers, Central Bank Russia periodically updates and modifies its banknotes. For example, the 500-ruble bill has gone through four such modifications in its history. Moreover, the latest of them (2011) is considered among experts to be the most protected from counterfeiting.

How to distinguish a counterfeit 500 ruble banknote from 1997? To do this, you need to pick it up, carefully examine it and feel the material thoroughly. Below are the five most obvious signs by which you can identify a counterfeit banknote:


However, attackers are often very cunning and inventive in their dirty work. More details about the signs of authenticity of “five-houses” we'll talk further.

How to recognize a counterfeit 500 ruble bill

The Bank of Russia identifies five groups of signs by which one can determine whether a banknote is real or counterfeit. So, there are the following controlled signs of authenticity:

  • to the light;
  • using a magnifying glass;
  • when the angle of view changes;
  • to the touch;
  • using special machines.

What to do with a counterfeit bill

Every year, several thousand fake “five-hat” cars are discovered in the Russian Federation. Most of them were identified in 2013 - about 7.5 thousand! What should you do if you find counterfeit banknotes in your wallet? How to behave?

It’s worth mentioning right away that in Russia, according to current legislation, both the production and sale and possession of counterfeit banknotes are criminally punishable. The biggest mistake people make when detecting counterfeit bills is when they deliberately try to get rid of them in a store or bank. Indeed, in this case, everything can end for a person with the drawing up of a police report.

The most the right step the police will be contacted with a corresponding statement. In this case, you must indicate in your application where exactly you got the counterfeit money. Of course, getting compensation for your damages in this case will not be easy. But you are unlikely to end up in the dock either. If you don’t want to waste your precious time going to the police, then you can simply destroy the counterfeit banknotes: burn them or tear them into small fragments.

If you are not sure of the authenticity of your money, you can contact your nearest bank for help. There you can order a special examination for verification, however, this service is usually paid.

10 interesting facts about the banknote

Finally, we bring to your attention ten of the most interesting and unexpected facts about the Russian 500 ruble banknote:

  • between 1998 and 2000 it was the largest paper bill in Russia by denomination;
  • Peter the Great was present on 500-ruble banknotes back in late XIX century (in the form of a portrait);
  • a banknote of 500 rubles is in use in a number of other countries of the post-Soviet space (in Belarus, Tajikistan, as well as in the unrecognized Transnistrian Moldavian Republic);
  • the common name “pyatikhatka” most likely comes from the distorted word “pyatikatka” (previously, a 100 ruble bill was popularly called “katenka”, respectively, 500 rubles is “five Katya” or “pyatikatka”);
  • on the obverse modern banknote the three-masted Argentine ship Libertad flaunts, which has never entered Russian territorial waters;
  • the largest size was the 500-ruble bill issued in 1922 (195 by 108 mm), and the smallest was in 1921 (86 by 48 mm);
  • in 2012, a commemorative coin “500 rubles” made of silver was issued, dedicated to the 200th anniversary of Russia’s victory in the Patriotic War (the circulation of this coin was only 50 copies);
  • in the Khorezm Soviet Republic in 1920, a coin with a face value of 500 rubles was in use;
  • most of the counterfeit 500-ruble banknotes, according to statistics, are concentrated in Kazan;
  • The Solovetsky Monastery on the 2011 banknote is depicted from a slightly different angle.

New banknotes of 500 and 5000 rubles (2011 issue)

On September 6, 2011, the Bank of Russia issued modified banknotes in denominations of 500 and 5000 rubles. They will be in circulation along with the 1997 banknotes of all previous modifications. The banknotes were developed in 2010, so they belong to the same modification as the new 1000-ruble bill.

The release of new banknotes is an attempt to reduce the number of counterfeits, which are becoming better every year. After the new 1,000-ruble banknote was put into circulation, the number of detected counterfeits decreased by almost 3 times (from 122,495 pieces in 2010 to 48,093 pieces in 2011). In 2011, 5 thousand counterfeits of five thousand dollar bills and about one thousand five hundred bills were identified. The cost of new five thousand banknotes is 24% higher than the old ones, and the cost of five hundred notes is 15% higher.

5000 rubles

Externally, the new banknotes do not differ much from the old ones; they still have the year “1997” on them. The most noticeable difference is the vertical text in small letters "2010 MODIFICATION" on the front in the lower left margin.

The modified banknote has a format and design similar to the 1997 Bank of Russia banknote. The color and artistic design of the front and back sides has been partially changed. On the front side of the modified banknote, in the lower part of the left coupon field to the left of the main image, there is the text "MODIFICATION 2010".

  1. The green coat of arms of Khabarovsk is made with optically variable magnetic paint (OVMI) with the effect of moving a bright shiny stripe;
  2. At the bottom of the hidden moiré fringe field (MVC+) there is an element with visible color fringes;
  3. On the reverse side the multicolored ornamental stripe has undergone a change;
  4. Images of the banknote in ultraviolet and infrared light differ from the banknote of the previous issue.

In total, the new five thousand dollar bill has 18 security features and is one of the most secure in the world.

500 rubles

The modified banknote has a format and subject design similar to the Bank of Russia banknote of the corresponding denomination of the 2004 modification. The color and artistic design of the front and back sides has been partially changed. On the front side of the modified banknote, in the lower part of the left coupon field to the left of the main image, there is the text "MODIFICATION 2010".

The 2010 modification banknote has the following main differences:

  1. The paper contains two types of security fibers - two-color and gray;
  2. A wide security thread is embedded in the paper, which on the front side of the banknote has an exit to the surface in a shaped window (“stained glass window”);
  3. The combined watermark is located on the right coupon field;
  4. On the front side of the banknote there are thin raised strokes at the edges of the coupon fields;
  5. The color-shifting effect on the plain field to the left of the main image on the front side has been modified;
  6. The height of the digits of the left serial number gradually increases from left to right;
  7. The reverse side has undergone changes: the main image and a multi-color ornamental stripe;
  8. Some image elements have magnetic properties;
  9. Images of the banknote in ultraviolet and infrared light differ from banknotes of previous issues.

In addition, the color of the banknote and the decoration of both sides have changed. The image of the Solovetsky Monastery on the reverse side has become more modern.