*
Denominations: 1, 2, 3, 5, 50 Kopeks
Year of First Issue: 1915
Governing Body: Czar Nicholas II
*
The 1, 2, 3, 5, and 50 Kopek notes were printed and released a year after World War I began. With the outbreak of the war came an increase in demand for different metals for the production of war supplies. As a result, the State Bank began producing banknotes for the Russian Kopeks that were traditionally minted in copper and silver. Besides the denominations pictured above, the State Bank also prepared to release 10, 15, and 20 Kopek notes that resembled their lower denomination counterparts in size and design. However, the 10, 15, and 20 Kopek notes were never released into circulation and are known as "Specimens" and are considered rare.
*
The two small stamps are 10 and 15 Kopek stamps from the same period. These postal stamps were used as currency equal to the values they displayed. A note printed on the back informs the bearer that the stamp "can be used in the same manner as and is exchangeable to a silver coin of the same denomination." This message is also printed on each of the rectangular Kopek banknotes.
*
