Russian Empire 2 Ruble Assignat, 1824 (Grand Duchy of Finland Issue)
The banknote's obverse features the Imperial Russian double-headed eagle crowned, with a shield on its breast bearing the lion rampant, the coat of arms of the Grand Duchy of Finland. The main body of the note contains extensive text primarily in Swedish, stating that a sum of "Två Rubel" (Two Rubles) in Imperial Russian Bank Assignats has been deposited in the Grand Duchy of Finland's Exchange-Deposit and Loan Bank, to be returned to the holder. Denomination is also displayed as "2 Rub:" in an octagonal frame on the left, "ДВА РУБЛИ" (Russian), and "Ravi Rubla" (Finnish) at the bottom left. The issue year "1824" is prominently featured in an oval frame on the right. Serial number "N° 497759" is printed in the upper corners. The place and date of issue "Helsingfors d: 2 Feb. 1824" are handwritten below the main text. Two handwritten signatures, "O. Lode." and "W. Welborgh," are present on the right side. A small decorative box near the bottom center contains the control number "5534". The overall design is utilitarian, typical for assignats of this period, with a blend of printed and handwritten elements.
Description
This 2 Ruble assignat, issued in 1824 for the Grand Duchy of Finland, offers a rare glimpse into the monetary system of an autonomous region within the Russian Empire. The note was issued by the Grand Duchy of Finland's Exchange-Deposit and Loan Bank (Wäxel-Depositions och Låne-Bank) and represents a deposit of Imperial Russian Bank Assignats. Its design is notable for combining Imperial Russian symbolism—the double-headed eagle—with the Finnish lion rampant on the breast shield, underscoring Finland's unique constitutional status. The multilingual text, featuring Swedish as the primary administrative language, along with Russian ("ДВА РУБЛИ") and a phonetic Finnish rendering ("Ravi Rubla") of the denomination, highlights the linguistic diversity of the region. Key identifiers include the serial number N° 497759, the prominent issue year 1824, and the specific date "Helsingfors d: 2 Feb. 1824". The handwritten signatures of bank officials O. Lode. and W. Welborgh add to its authenticity, as does the smaller control number 5534. Despite its significant wear, tears, missing pieces, heavy creasing, and overall discoloration, this assignat is a highly sought-after collectible due to its historical significance, unique regional issue, and its representation of complex financial and political dynamics of the early 19th century Russian Empire.