Russian Empire 10 Ruble Assignat, 1810 (1786-1819 Period)
This 10 Ruble Assignat from 1810 features a minimalist, utilitarian design typical of early Russian paper currency. It is printed on pinkish-red paper with the main text in black ink. The design lacks elaborate engravings or complex imagery, focusing solely on the necessary legal and denominational information. Key features include the explicit year of issue, denomination in both text and numeral, and diagonally printed serial numbers. The word 'ДЕСЯТЬ' (TEN) is also overprinted/stamped in a more decorative, sealed manner, serving as a security feature.
Description
This is a 10 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1810. Assignats were the first paper money in Russia, introduced during the reign of Catherine the Great in 1769. This particular note belongs to the period of assignat issuance between 1786 and 1819, a time of significant expansion of paper currency under Alexander I. The obverse prominently displays the text: "ОБЪЯВИТЕЛЮ СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦІИ ПЛАТИТЬ АССИГНАЦІОННЫЙ БАНКЪ ДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ 1810 ГОДА." (To the bearer of this State Assignat, the Assignat Bank shall pay Ten Rubles in current coin of the year 1810.) The serial number N°6234356 is visible multiple times. Such notes played a crucial role in financing wars and government expenses, leading to inflation. This assignat is a significant piece of Russian monetary history, reflecting the economic policies and printing capabilities of the early 19th century.