Russian Empire 50 Ruble Assignat, 1820 (1819-1843 Period)
The assignat features a classical and formal design typical of early 19th-century Russian state banknotes. The central motif is the Imperial double-headed eagle, crowned and holding an orb and scepter, signifying the authority of the Russian Empire. The denomination '50' is prominently displayed in an ornate cartouche directly beneath the eagle. The main text, stating the note's value and issuer, is centrally located within a rectangular frame. Decorative elements include elaborate floral and foliate patterns, as well as two crowned staff-like ornaments on either side of the central text. The year '1820' is enclosed in an oval cartouche at the bottom left, balanced by another cartouche with 'ГОДА' (year) on the right. The entire design is monochromatic, relying on intricate line engraving for its aesthetic and security features.
Description
This is a 50 Ruble Assignat from the Russian Empire, issued in 1820. It belongs to the series of assignats issued between 1819 and 1843, which were a crucial part of the Russian financial system following the Napoleonic Wars. These assignats were paper money intended to supplement the scarce metallic currency and were theoretically convertible into specie, though convertibility was often suspended or at a discount. The obverse features the Imperial double-headed eagle at the top, signifying the state's authority. The central inscription reads: "ОБЪЯВИТЕЛЮ СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦИИ ПЛАТИТЬ АССИГНАЦИОННЫЙ БАНКЪ ПЯТЬДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ." (To the bearer of this State Assignat, the Assignation Bank shall pay Fifty Rubles in current coin). The denomination '50' is also present in a decorative cartouche. The serial number N° 3611299 is printed twice at the bottom. The year of issue, '1820', is clearly marked in an oval cartouche on the bottom left. Signatures of the Manager ('Управляющій') K. Levenies (К. Левениесъ) and Cashier ('Кассиръ') G.S. (Г.С.) are visible below the main text. This assignat provides a tangible link to Russia's monetary history during a period of significant economic and political change.