Russian Empire 25 Ruble Assignat, 1812 (1786-1819 Period)
The assignat features a minimalist, uniface (single-sided) design characteristic of early paper currency. Printed on light blue-grey paper, the primary focus is on the typographic declaration of value and legal tender status in Cyrillic script. The design is utilitarian rather than artistic, emphasizing clarity and security through the paper itself and the manual signatures. Serial numbers are printed in multiple locations. The simplicity reflects the urgent financial needs of the time, with less emphasis on elaborate engraving common in later banknotes.
Description
This 25 Ruble Assignat from the Russian Empire, issued in 1812, represents a crucial period in Russian monetary history, coinciding with the Napoleonic Wars and the Patriotic War of 1812. Assignats were introduced to finance state expenditures and address shortages of metallic currency. The text states: 'Объявителю съ Государственной Ассигнаціи национальной двадцать пять рублей Дѣйствующей монетою 1812 года.' (To the bearer from the State Assignation national twenty-five rubles in actual coin of 1812 year.). These notes were backed by state assets, but their convertibility and value often fluctuated due to war and economic instability, leading to inflation. This particular note carries the serial number № 1393046, prominently displayed. It bears the signature of a Director and a Cashier, common for security measures of the era. Surviving examples from this period often show significant wear, reflecting their extensive circulation. This assignat is a tangible piece of history from a pivotal year for the Russian Empire.