Russian Empire 10 Ruble Assignat, 1813 (Announced Series)
The reverse of the assignat features a functional, text-heavy design. It is printed on reddish-brown paper with black letterpress text arranged diagonally and horizontally. A prominent oval hand-stamp with the word 'ДЕСЯТЬ' (TEN) is visible. Multiple instances of the serial number are diagonally printed as a security measure. The overall aesthetic is utilitarian, prioritizing official declaration over elaborate artistic elements, typical for assignats of this era. A handwritten signature adds to the official markings.
Description
This is a 10 Ruble Assignat from the Russian Empire, issued or officially re-validated in 1813. It is part of the 'Announced Assignats' (Объявляемые ассигнации) series. These were existing assignats (primarily from the 1786-1819 period issues) that were officially stamped or overprinted to declare their specific redemption value in metallic coinage. The central text reads: 'ОБЪЯВЛЯЕТСЯ СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦИИ ПЛАТИТЬ ДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ 1813 ГОДА.' (IT IS DECLARED THAT THIS STATE ASSIGNAT IS TO BE PAID TEN RUBLES IN CURRENT COIN OF THE YEAR 1813.). This measure was introduced after the Napoleonic Wars and the financial instability of the early 19th century to stabilize the depreciating paper currency. The banknote features a prominent 'ДЕСЯТЬ' (TEN) stamp, indicating its denomination, and multiple diagonal printings of its serial number (№ 4311597) as an anti-counterfeiting measure. A handwritten official signature is also present, likely from a director or manager overseeing the assignat bank or treasury. Such notes are significant historical artifacts, reflecting Russia's efforts to manage its currency during a tumultuous period.