Russian Empire 50 Ruble Assignat, 1808 (1786-1819 Period)
The assignat features a minimalist, text-heavy design characteristic of early Russian paper money. The central text is a promise to pay the bearer, with the denomination 'ПЯТЬДЕСЯТЬ' stamped prominently in a decorative frame. Serial numbers appear in three locations. The overall aesthetic is functional, focused on the legal tender text rather than elaborate artistic flourishes or complex engravings. It is single-sided, typical for assignats of this era. The script used is Cyrillic.
Description
This is a 50 Ruble Assignat from the Russian Empire, issued in 1808, belonging to the 1786-1819 period of assignat issuance. The note explicitly states its backing in "ходячею монетою 1808 года" (circulating coin of 1808), making 1808 the pivotal year for this specific issue. The central text declares: "ОБЪЯВИТЕЛЮ СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦИИ ПЛАТИТЬ АССИГНАЦИОННЫЙ БАНК ПЯТЬДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ 1808 ГОДА." (The Assignation Bank shall pay the bearer of this State Assignat Fifty Rubles in circulating coin of 1808). The denomination "ПЯТЬДЕСЯТЬ" is also present as a prominent stamped text. The serial number N.2929643 is visible multiple times. This note features two significant handwritten signatures: one beneath "Др. 6." (Director of the 6th Department) and another, likely a cashier, in the lower right. These signatures served as authentication for the paper money. Assignats from this era are historically significant as they represent the early paper currency of the Russian Empire, often suffering from devaluation due to over-issuance. Despite its heavily circulated and damaged condition, with numerous folds, tears, stains, and material loss, it remains a tangible piece of Russian financial history.