This post-Soviet Russian banknote represents the 1st denomination of the Ruble (Series 1993). The Tenge was adopted in 1993, replacing the previous Soviet Ruble. Which continued to remain in circulation after the fall of the Soviet Union (1922-1991). It form the basis for a short-lived monetary union known as Ruble Zone. Which collapsed shortly after Russia left the Ruble Zone, in July 1993.
On 14 July 1992, Russia introduced it's own currency the Ruble (Series 1992). These early Ruble notes were simply earlier 7th Soviet Ruble. Which were followed by the Series 1993-94, a distinctly Russian design. This follow up series removes all Soviet imagery and features the re-introduced Russian tri-color flag. The First Ruble replaced the Soviet Ruble at par (1:1).
In 1998, the Ruble was re-dominated the exchange rate was 1,000 (Old)=1 (New) Ruble.
Observe
The observe depicts the newly re-introduced Russian tricolor flag. This flag was used in Imperial Russia, prior to the Soviet's October Revolution. It was regarded as forbidden symbol, that was abolished by the Soviet Government (1922-1991). The only notable difference with the note's flag is its lighter shade of blue. Which was made appropriately darker, in later 1993.
The observe center features a large number "100", representing the note's 100 Ruble value. The Header above reads "БАНК РОССИИ", representing the "(Central) Bank of Russia". While lower text reads "СТО РУБЛЕЙ", repeating its "Hundred Ruble" value. Beneath this header and lower text are micro text bands repeating "CTO 100", translated as "Hundred 100". A pair of "100", can be seen at the far left.
At the far-right is the watermark area, at the upper right is a monogram. While the note's "1993" print date can be seen at the bottom. It rests on a pink guilloche backing with a light blue outline. Notably like many post-Soviet banknote, backlighting will expose a full surface watermark. A repeating pattern of stars in "waved" cells will appear, by the placing the note over bright light.
Reverse
The reverse features an illustration of the Spasski Tower at the Kremlin in Moscow. This large 71m (233 ft) tall clock tower overlooks the famous Red Square. It was built in 1491, by Italian architect Pietro Antonio Solari (1445-1493). The Spasski Tower was first of the Kremlin's towers to be crowed, by their iconic "hipped" roofs.
Below the illustration reads "СТО РУБЛЕЙ" (Hundred Ruble), on geometric border. This colorful line art border is printed on a blank section of the reverse. This section breaks up a multi-tone underprint with repeating micro-text "100"s. Larger number "100"s can be seen at the upper-left, upper-right, and lower-right corners.
To the far-left, is the note's watermark area. At the top is a warning to conterfeiters, it reads "ПОДДЕЛКА БИЛЕТОВ БАНКА РОССИИ ПРЕСЛЕДУЕТСЯ ПО ЗАКОНУ". Translated as "Forgery of Bank of Russia notes, is prosecuted by the law. Below is the note's red-inked serial number (KK 3073230). Followed by a large number "100", on the beforementioned border.
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 130 x 57 mm or 5.12 x 2.24 in, smaller than a US Dollar.
The preferable method to preserve this note are side-opening sleeves, cut to size.
The First Russian Ruble ISO code is RUR, it used both ₽ and руб as symbols.
The current Second Russian Ruble ISO code is RUB, it uses the same symbols.
In theory, the First Ruble was subdivided into 100 Kopeyka (Kopecks).