Russian Empire 25 Ruble Assignat, 1843 (1843-1854 Period)
The assignat features a classical design typical of Russian imperial banknotes of the mid-19th century. The obverse prominently displays the crowned double-headed eagle of the Russian Empire, holding a scepter and orb. Below the eagle, a circular emblem indicates the denomination '25'. The central text block is framed by ornate Rococo-style decorative borders with crown motifs at the upper sides, and a fine hatched background. The denomination is written out in Cyrillic script. The year of issue and serial numbers are placed at the bottom within decorative elements.
Description
This is a 25 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1843, representing one of the final series of assignats before the significant monetary reform of 1843-1846. These notes were shortly replaced by new credit notes (кредитные билеты), making them historically significant as transitional currency. The obverse design is characteristic of Russian assignats of the period, featuring the Imperial double-headed eagle with a crown, orb, and scepter at the top, surmounting a round medallion with the numeric denomination '25'. The central inscription, "ОБЪЯВИТЕЛЮ СЕЯ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦІИ ПЛАТИТСЯ ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ.", translates to "To the bearer of this state assignat, twenty-five rubles in circulating coin shall be paid." The text is framed by elaborate Rococo-style decorative borders with crown motifs. Spaces for the signatures of the "Управляющій" (Manager) and "Кассиръ" (Cashier) are present below the main text, though the signatures themselves are largely faded and illegible due to age and wear. The serial number "N° 296216" is printed twice at the bottom. The year of issue, "1843", is prominently displayed in an oval cartouche at the bottom left, with "ГОДА" (Year) in a corresponding cartouche on the right. Despite its circulated condition, this note remains a valuable historical artifact for collectors interested in Russian monetary history, especially the period leading up to the great financial reforms of the mid-19th century. Its clear date and denomination make it easily identifiable.