Russian Empire 5 Ruble Assignat, 1800 (1800 Issue)
This assignat features a minimalist, functional design typical of early Russian paper currency. It is printed on blue paper with black ink text. The design is text-centric, without elaborate illustrations, portraits, or complex vignettes. The denomination 'ПЯТЬ' (FIVE) is emphasized within a decorative, rectangular frame. Serial numbers are printed three times for security, and handwritten signatures of bank officials are present.
Description
This is a 5 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1800, as indicated by the text 'ходячею монетою 1800 года' (in current coin of the year 1800). This series of assignats was a crucial part of the currency reform under Emperor Paul I and later Alexander I, aiming to stabilize the value of paper money against silver coinage. The assignat states: 'Объявителю сей Государственной Ассигнации платить Ассигнационной Банкъ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ходячею монетою 1800 года.' (To the bearer of this State Assignat, the Assignation Bank shall pay FIVE RUBLES in current coin of the year 1800.) The note features the serial number N° 376293, which is prominently displayed at the top center and repeated in smaller print at the bottom left and right. Two handwritten signatures, likely those of the Director and Cashier of the Assignation Bank, are visible below the main text, though their specific names are largely illegible due to wear. This particular assignat falls within the 1786-1819 period of Russian assignat issuance and represents an important piece of financial history, reflecting the economic challenges and reforms of the era. Despite its worn condition, its historical significance makes it a valuable collectible for numismatists interested in Russian monetary history.