Russian Empire 10 Ruble Assignat, 1801 (1786-1819 Period)
The assignat features a simple, functional design characteristic of early Russian paper currency. It consists of black printed text on plain, light brown paper, without elaborate engravings or watermarks explicitly visible in the image. The denomination 'ДЕСЯТЬ' (Ten) is prominently stamped in a bold, black, slightly ornate font, diagonally across the central text. The overall aesthetic emphasizes legibility and practicality over intricate artistry, typical for mass-produced currency of its time.
Description
This is a 10 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1801. Assignats were the first paper currency of Russia, introduced initially in 1769. This particular note belongs to the second generation of assignats (1786-1819), which expanded to include lower denominations like 5 and 10 rubles alongside the earlier higher values. The main text, written in pre-reform Russian orthography, states: 'Объявителю сей Государственной Ассигнаціи платить Государственной банкъ ДЕСЯТЬ рублей ходячею монетою 1801 года.' (The bearer of this State Assignat is to be paid by the State Bank TEN rubles in circulating coin of the year 1801). The denomination 'ДЕСЯТЬ' is overstamped, and the number '10' is visible above it. The serial number '№ 357495' is clearly visible in multiple places. Assignats of this period are highly collectible due to their historical significance as the pioneering paper money of Russia.