Russian Empire 10 Ruble Assignat, 1833 (1819-1843 Period)
The assignat features a classical design common for Russian Empire banknotes of the early 19th century. The obverse is dominated by the Imperial double-headed eagle at the top, with a numeral '10' within a central medallion on its chest. Below the eagle is the main text proclaiming the assignat's value. The denomination 'ДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' is highlighted within an ornamental rectangular frame. The note has a simple, yet elegant, geometric border. Signatures are handwritten-style scripts, and the year stamp is oval. The printing is monochrome, typically black on light paper, with intricate guilloche patterns in the background of the text.
Description
This is a 10 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1833. It belongs to the series of assignats issued between 1819 and 1843, which were a crucial part of Russia's monetary system following the inflationary periods of the Napoleonic Wars. The note prominently displays the Imperial double-headed eagle, a symbol of the Russian state, at the top. The central inscription reads 'ОБЪЯВИТЕЛЮ СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦИИ ПЛАТИТЬ АССИГНАЦИОННЫЙ БАНКЪ ДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ.' (To the bearer of this state assignat, the Assignat Bank shall pay Ten Rubles in current coin.) This statement underscores the note's function as a promise to pay metal currency upon demand. The assignat features the signatures of the Manager (Управляющій) P. A. Belyaev and the Cashier (Кассиръ) I. Yakovlev, which were vital for authentication. The unique serial number, N° 108099, appears twice at the bottom. The year '1833' is stamped in an oval on the left side. These notes were widely circulated and represent an important era in Russian financial history, reflecting attempts to stabilize the national currency.