Russian Empire 10 Ruble Assignat, 1814 (1786-1819 Period)
The assignat features a simple, utilitarian design characteristic of early paper money, printed on thick, rough, salmon-colored paper. The main text, specifying the denomination and year of issue, is printed diagonally in black ink. Security features of the time, such as watermarks or patterned paper, are subtly integrated, appearing as faint dotted lines and irregular textures. Handwritten signatures add a personal and unique touch to each note.
Description
This is a 10 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1814, a critical year during the Napoleonic Wars when Russia played a decisive role in the coalition against Napoleon. Assignats were the primary form of paper money in Russia from 1769 until the mid-19th century. The note bears the clear inscription 'ОБЪЯВИТЕЛЮ СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦИИ ПЛАТИТЬ АССИГНАЦИОННЫЙ БАНКЪ ДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ 1814 ГОДА.' (To the bearer of this State Assignat the Assignat Bank shall pay Ten Rubles in current coin of the year 1814). Its historical context makes it a significant collectible, illustrating the financial mechanisms of a major European power during a period of intense conflict and change. The handwritten signatures are a testament to the manual processing and authentication of these early banknotes.