Russian Empire 10 Ruble Assignat, 1840 (1819-1843 Period)
The assignat features a classical design characteristic of Russian Imperial banknotes of the early 19th century. It is framed by a decorative border with geometric patterns and ornate corner elements. The central motif is the Imperial double-headed eagle, crowned and clutching a scepter and orb. On its chest, instead of a traditional coat of arms, is a circular emblem with the denomination '10'. The eagle is flanked by laurel branches. The main text is printed in Cyrillic, proclaiming the banknote's value and the issuing authority. The year of issue is prominently displayed in a decorative oval on the bottom left, with 'ГОДА' (Year) on the right.
Description
This is a 10 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1840, falling within the 1819-1843 period of assignat circulation. The banknote explicitly states its value as 'ДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' (Ten Rubles) and carries the serial number N° 539355. The central design features the iconic double-headed eagle, a symbol of the Russian Empire, indicating its authenticity as state-issued currency. Assignats of this period were paper money that often circulated alongside metallic currency, though their value was subject to fluctuations. The visible signatures of the Manager and Cashier attest to the administrative process of its issuance. Despite its worn condition, this piece offers a tangible connection to the monetary history of Imperial Russia and is a sought-after item for collectors specializing in Russian numismatics and historical paper money.