Russian Empire 200 Ruble Assignat, 1837 (1819-1843 Period)
The banknote features a classic monochromatic design common for Russian assignats of the era. The central motif is the Imperial Russian double-headed eagle, crowned and holding a scepter and orb, with a medallion bearing the denomination '200' on its chest, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The text is rendered in elegant, ornate Cyrillic script. The year '1837' is prominently displayed in a wreath on the left side, balanced by a wreath with the word 'ГОДА' (YEAR) on the right. The serial numbers are printed in a clear, large font at the bottom corners. Signatures of the managing officials are present below the main text block.
Description
This is a 200 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1837, belonging to the series circulated between 1819 and 1843. These assignats were a form of paper money used during this period, serving as a medium of exchange backed by the state. The design is characteristic of the time, featuring the Imperial double-headed eagle, a symbol of Russian sovereignty, above the central inscription. The text 'Объявителю сей Государственной Ассигнаціи платитъ Ассигнаціонный Банкъ ДВЕСТИ РУБЛЕЙ ходячею монетою' (The bearer of this State Assignat will be paid by the Assignat Bank TWO HUNDRED RUBLES in circulating coin) confirms its function as a promissory note. Collectors highly value these historical documents for their intricate design, historical significance, and the glimpse they provide into the monetary system of Imperial Russia.