Russian Empire 5 Ruble Assignat, 1815 (1786-1819 Period)
The banknote features a simple, monochromatic design, characteristic of early Russian assignats. The primary color is a faded blue-grey. The central part contains the main legal text in Cyrillic, declaring the assignat's value and the bank's obligation to pay. Denomination "ПЯТЬ" (FIVE) is prominently displayed in a dark rectangular box. Serial numbers are printed in multiple corners. The design is utilitarian, focusing on functionality rather than elaborate artistic elements, common for wartime or early paper currency issues. Handwritten signatures add to its authenticity.
Description
This is a 5 Ruble State Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1815, falling within the 1786-1819 period of assignat issuance. The banknote's primary purpose was to serve as a paper currency backed by the state, declared redeemable in circulating coin. The central inscription reads: "ОБЪЯВИТЕЛЮ СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦІИ ПЛАТИТЬ АССИГНАЦІОННЫЙ БАНКЪ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ 1815 ГОДА." (To the bearer of this State Assignat, the Assignat Bank shall pay FIVE RUBLES in circulating coin of the year 1815.) This particular assignat features serial number Nº 3262210, printed in the upper left, upper right, and lower left corners. The denomination "ПЯТЬ" (FIVE) is also embossed or printed in a distinctive black rectangle below the main text. Two handwritten signatures are present, typically those of a director and a cashier, validating the issue. The simple, blue-grey design reflects the practical nature of these early paper currencies, which were crucial for financing state operations, especially during the Napoleonic Wars. Collectors value these assignats for their historical significance as foundational elements of the Russian monetary system.