Russian Empire 10 Ruble Assignat, 1814 (1786-1819 Period)
The reverse side of the assignat features a prominent statement in black Cyrillic script, confirming its value and the issuing authority. The text is diagonally overprinted by repeated serial numbers. Handwritten signatures in brown ink are clearly visible. The overall design is functional, emphasizing the legal tender status and the promise to pay by the Assignat Bank. The paper is a rough, unbleached stock, characteristic of early paper money.
Description
This is the reverse side of a 10 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1814, belonging to the 1786-1819 series of assignats. The central text reads: 'ОТЪЯВИТЕЛЮ ПО СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦІИ ПЛА- ТИТЬ АССИГНАЦІОННЫЙ БАНКЪ ДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ [...] МОНЕТОЮ 1814 ГОДА.' (To the bearer of this State Assignat, the Assignat Bank shall pay TEN RUBLES [...] IN COIN OF 1814). The specific year of issue, 1814, is explicitly stated on the note itself. The serial number 'N° 2401135' is stamped diagonally multiple times across the note. This issue was part of the extensive assignat system introduced in Russia to finance state expenditures, particularly significant during the Napoleonic Wars. These notes served as fiat currency, convertible into metallic coin at the Assignat Bank. The handwritten signatures attest to the manual verification process of each note before circulation. This assignat is a significant historical artifact reflecting the monetary policy and economic challenges of the Russian Empire in the early 19th century.