What were wine labels in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) used for in the period from 1919 to 1921?

Sakha, also known as Yakutia or Yakutiya is a federal Russian republic.

From 1919 to 1921 wine labels, designed in a special way, were used as money in Yakutia. They were released by Alexei Semenov, future People’s Commissariat of Finance of the Republic of Yakutia.

Sakha was home to the last stage of the Russian Civil War, the Yakut Revolt. On April 27, 1922, former Yakutsk Oblast was proclaimed the Yakut ASSR, although in fact the eastern part of the territory, including the city of Yakutsk, was controlled by the White Russians.

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12 Comments

Lynne Zeman

The answer leaves so many questions unanswered.

Iswardew Matai

An explanation for the reason why this was done would be very enlightening. Currently we have a lot of countries whose currencies are so decepriated because of financial mismanagement, embezzlement and corruption of the government/ head of state/ dictator, you could say it's just a piece of paper. The intrinsic value being less than the printing expenses.

earlepg

When you have nothing, anything will do.

dmarkc

I think they could control the value of this in their area during famine. One note/label= 1 pound/loaf (or whatever) of bread. Don't quote me on this, lol.

dmarkc

Richard G Schwartz, yes. A pound (or loaf) of bread, as there was famine.

Christine Parrillo

tbear, The reference only has a few lines about this currency. Mr. Semenov used it as a currency with a constant rate during a famine, equal to one pound of bread. Thank you, Christine, James's wife

Christine Parrillo

Susanne Braun, The reference only mentions that one label equaled a pound of bread. Mr. Semenov used it to remain a constant rate in the midst of famine. Thank you, Christine, James's wife