Russian Empire 10 Ruble Assignat, 1807 (1786-1819 Period)
This assignat features a minimalistic, uniface design characteristic of early Russian paper money. Printed on a reddish-pink paper, its primary feature is the diagonally printed promise to pay text. The denomination 'ДЕСЯТЬ' (TEN) is prominently overstamped in a dark, stylized frame. The note includes visible hand-signed official signatures and a serial number printed multiple times on the obverse. Watermarks, though not distinct in pattern, are evident in the paper's texture, a common security feature of the era. The paper itself shows the rough, hand-cut edges typical of assignats from this period.
Description
This 10 Ruble Assignat from the Russian Empire, issued in 1807, represents a significant piece of monetary history from the period of the Napoleonic Wars. These assignats were non-interest-bearing treasury notes, first introduced in 1769, and went through several issues and reforms. The 1807 series falls within the second major assignat issue (1786-1819), which saw a significant increase in their circulation to finance state expenditures. The reddish-pink color was a standard feature for 10 Ruble notes, aiding in quick identification. The text promises payment in 'ходячею монетою' (current coin) by the Assignat Bank. The serial number N.1219586 is clearly visible, a crucial detail for collectors. This assignat is notable for its raw, utilitarian design, reflecting the exigencies of wartime finance, yet its historical importance as a predecessor to modern banknotes is immense. Collectors value such pieces for their historical context, rarity, and the tangible link they provide to Russia's imperial past and its economic policies during a tumultuous era.