Russian Empire 10 Ruble Assignat, 1819 (1786-1819 Period)
The assignat features a central double-headed eagle, the emblem of the Russian Empire, holding a wreath. The main text reads 'Объявителю сей государственной ассигнации платить Государственный банк ДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ходячею монетою.' (To the bearer of this state assignat, the State Bank shall pay TEN RUBLES in current coin). The design is enclosed within an intricate ornamental border. The year '1819' is visibly printed in an oval in the lower left corner, with 'ГОДА' (YEAR) in a matching oval on the lower right.
Description
This is a 10 Ruble assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1819. Assignats were the first paper currency issued in Russia, circulating from 1769 until 1843. This specific note belongs to the 1786-1819 series, identified by its design and the explicit '1819' year printed on the banknote itself. These notes were guaranteed by the State Bank and intended to be exchanged for metallic currency, though their value often fluctuated. The design elements, including the imperial eagle and the standardized text, reflect the financial system and state authority of the era. Despite its heavily circulated and damaged condition, it represents a significant piece of Russian monetary history, offering insight into the early development of paper money in the empire.