Russian Empire 25 Ruble Assignat, 1813 (1786-1819 Period)
This assignat features a minimalist, uniface (one-sided) design characteristic of early Russian paper money. The primary elements are black printed Cyrillic text, defining the denomination, issuer, and redemption terms. Handwritten signatures add a personal touch and a layer of security, customary for the era. A distinctive feature is the stamped denomination 'ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ' (TWENTY FIVE) in a black ornamental frame, used to clearly indicate the value and deter counterfeiting. The paper itself is plain, reflecting the simplicity of production during this historical period.
Description
This is a 25 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1813, belonging to the 1786-1819 series of assignats. These early forms of paper money were crucial for the Russian economy, especially during the extensive military campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars. The front of the assignat clearly states in Old Russian Cyrillic: 'ОБЪЯВИТЕЛЮ СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕ-ННОЙ АССИГНАЦІИ ПЛАТИТЬ АССИ-ГНАЦІОННЫЙ БАНКЪ ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ' (The Assignat Bank will pay the bearer of this State Assignat twenty-five rubles in circulating coin) and the year '1813 ГОДА.' The banknote features the serial number '№ 6293448' printed multiple times for security. Prominent handwritten signatures of bank officials further authenticate the note. The stamped 'ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ' in a decorative cartouche serves as an additional security measure against alteration. Assignats of this period are highly collectible due to their historical significance and the tangible link they provide to Russia's early paper money system and its financial struggles during a transformative era.