Russian Empire 20 Kopek Assignat, 1850 (Grand Duchy of Finland Issue)
The banknote features a monochromatic, rustic design printed on coarse paper, characteristic of assignats from this period. The central motif is the Imperial Russian double-headed eagle with a crown above, symbolizing the authority of the Russian Empire over the Grand Duchy of Finland. The denomination 'TJUGU KOPEK' is prominently displayed in a decorative, ornate script. Below the primary Swedish text, the denomination is repeated in Russian ('ДВАДЦАТЬ КОПЕЕКЪ') and Finnish ('Kaxi Kymmendä Kopekaa' - old orthography for 'Kaksi kymmentä kopekkaa'). The bottom left corner shows '20 KOP' in a rectangular frame. Two rectangular signature blocks are present below the multilingual text, containing handwritten signatures. The overall design emphasizes clarity of denomination and issuing authority while reflecting the dual cultural context of the Grand Duchy of Finland within the Russian Empire.
Description
This is an authentic 20 Kopek Assignat issued in 1850 for the Grand Duchy of Finland by the Exchange, Deposit and Loan Bank (Wäxel-, Depositions- och Låne-Bank) under the Russian Empire. These notes served as legal tender within Finland during this period and were convertible into Russian Imperial Bank Assignations. The multilingual text (Swedish, Russian, Finnish) reflects the official languages and ethnic diversity of Finland at the time. The note bears the 'AR 1850' year mark and serial number N° 101758. The double-headed eagle emblem signifies its origin under Imperial Russian authority. Such notes are significant as they represent a unique chapter in Finnish monetary history, demonstrating Finland's semi-autonomous status under Russian rule and the integration of its financial system with the wider Imperial economy.