Russian Empire 25 Ruble Assignat, 1814 (1786-1819 Period)
This assignat's reverse side features a rather austere and functional design, typical for the period. The central inscription provides the legal promise of the State Assignation Bank to redeem the note. The text is in Old Russian script (pre-reform orthography). Decorative elements are minimal on this side, focusing on clarity and official statements. The serial number is prominently displayed at the top center and repeated at the bottom corners. Spaces are reserved for the handwritten signatures of the bank officials. The overall aesthetic emphasizes governmental authority and financial accountability.
Description
This is a 25 Ruble assignat from the Russian Empire, issued in 1814. Assignats were paper money issued in Russia starting in 1769 and were a crucial part of the Russian financial system, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars when the government needed to finance military expenditures. This particular note belongs to the series issued during the reign of Emperor Alexander I, part of the 1786-1819 period of assignat issuance. The reverse side explicitly states the year '1814' and the denomination 'ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' (twenty-five rubles), alongside the promise from the 'ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ АССИГНАЦIОННЫЙ БАНКЪ' (State Assignation Bank). The note bears the serial number N° 97809, printed multiple times to deter counterfeiting. Such notes often served as a primary medium of exchange, experiencing fluctuations in value against silver or gold due to inflation. This assignat provides a tangible link to Russia's economic history during a tumultuous era.