Russian Empire 20 Kopeck Assignat, 1824 (Grand Duchy of Finland Issue)
The banknote features a simple, yet dignified design typical of assignats from the early 19th century. The obverse is dominated by the crowned double-headed eagle, the emblem of the Russian Empire, positioned centrally at the top. The denomination 'Tjugu Kopek' (Twenty Kopecks) is presented in an elaborate, calligraphic script below the eagle. Essential information such as the year 'ÅR 1824' and serial number 'N° 217042' are located in the upper left and right corners, respectively. The note is multilingual, displaying the denomination and value proposition in Swedish, Russian ('ДВАДЦАТЬ КОПѢЕКЪ.'), and Finnish ('Kari Kymmendä Ropekaa.'), reflecting its issuance for the Grand Duchy of Finland. A prominent '20 KOP' is enclosed in an octagonal frame at the bottom left. The overall impression is one of functional design with decorative flourishes.
Description
This is a 20 Kopeck assignat issued by the Exchange, Deposit and Loan Bank of the Grand Duchy of Finland under the Russian Empire in 1824. These assignats were crucial for the internal circulation and economic stability of Finland, which was an autonomous Grand Duchy within the Russian Empire. The trilingual text (Swedish, Russian, Finnish) underscores its specific regional purpose and the linguistic diversity of Finland at the time. The main text states that 'UTI STORFURSTENDÖMET FINLANDS WAXEL - DEPOSITIONS-OCH LANE - BANK AR INSATTEN EN SUMMA AF TJUGU KOPEK KEJSERLIGA RYSKA B KO-ASSIGNATIONER, HVILKA 20 KOPEK INNEHAFVAREN HÄR AF HAR ATT ÅTERBEKOMMA.' (In the Grand Duchy of Finland's Exchange, Deposit and Loan Bank, a sum of twenty kopecks of Imperial Russian assignats has been deposited, which the holder hereof has the right to reclaim for 20 kopecks). These notes represent an interesting chapter in the monetary history of both Russia and Finland, showcasing the administrative autonomy of the Grand Duchy while operating under the Imperial Russian monetary system.