Russian Empire 50 Ruble Assignat, 1808 (1786-1819 Period)
The assignat features a simple, text-based design, common for Russian Empire banknotes of this period. Printed in dark ink (likely black or dark brown) on light-colored paper. The denomination 'ПЯТИДЕСЯТЬ' (FIFTY) is prominent, enclosed in a rectangular frame with a decorative border. The main text is in Imperial Russian Cyrillic script, proclaiming the bank's promise to pay the bearer. The banknote includes handwritten signatures, adding a personal and authentication element characteristic of early paper currency. There are no elaborate engravings or intricate security features, focusing on clear text and essential information.
Description
This is a 50 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1808, part of the extensive series of assignats from the 1786-1819 period. These assignats were a crucial form of paper money used in Russia from the reign of Catherine the Great until their eventual replacement in the mid-19th century. The note bears the serial number № 2930566, printed three times on the front (top center, bottom left, and bottom center-right). The central inscription reads: 'ОБЪЯВИТЕЛЮ СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦИИ ПЛАТИТЬ АССИГНАЦIОННЫЙ БАНКЪ ПЯТЬДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ 1808 ГОДА.' (To the bearer of this State Assignat, the Assignation Bank shall pay fifty rubles in circulating coin of the year 1808.) This clearly indicates the year of issue and the promise of convertibility, although actual convertibility often varied. The assignat features the signature of 'Др. Б. Спиридонъ Сусловъ' (Director of the Bank Spiridon Suslov), a known figure in the Russian financial system of the era, and another illegible handwritten signature, likely that of a cashier or chief accountant. These notes reflect a significant era of financial innovation and challenges within the Russian Empire.