Russian Empire 25 Ruble Assignat, 1818 (1786-1819 Period)
The assignat features a classical Russian Imperial design typical for the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The central motif is the crowned double-headed eagle of the Russian Empire, clutching a scepter and orb, with a shield containing the denomination '25' on its breast. The main body of the note contains the redemption promise in Cyrillic script: "Объявляю сею Государственною Ассигнаціею платить Ассигнаціонный Банкъ ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ходячею монетою." (I declare by this State Assignat that the Assignation Bank will pay TWENTY-FIVE RUBLES in circulating coin.) Decorative elements include ornate scrollwork and crowns along the vertical borders, and a stylized floral pattern along the bottom border, framing the year '1818' and the word 'ГОДЪ' (Year). The overall aesthetic is formal and utilitarian, reflecting the bank's authority and the note's function as a promise of payment.
Description
This is a 25 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1818, belonging to the widespread 1786-1819 series. These assignats were the primary form of paper currency in Russia for several decades, playing a crucial role in the financing of state expenses, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars and subsequent economic recovery. The note explicitly states the Assignation Bank's commitment to pay 'TWENTY-FIVE RUBLES in circulating coin', highlighting its role as a promise of metallic currency. The serial number N° 3858664 is prominently displayed. Signatures of the 'Manager E. Kuvalkin' and 'Cashier Sidorov' are present, which are key for verifying the authenticity and specific emission within this long-running series. Collectors highly value these notes for their significant historical context, illustrating the monetary policies and economic challenges of Imperial Russia during a pivotal era. The precise year '1818' at the bottom further specifies its exact issuance date, making it a valuable document for both historical study and numismatic collections.