Russian Empire 10 Ruble Assignat, 1810 (1786-1819 Period)
The banknote features a blue monochromatic design, printed on lightweight paper. The central motif is a stylized double-headed eagle with outstretched wings and a wreath, positioned above the main textual block. The text, in Cyrillic script, is framed by a decorative border typical of assignats from this era. The denomination "ДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ" is prominently displayed. The date "1810" and the word "ГОДА" (year) are overprinted in oval stamps on the left and right sides respectively. Security features, though not fully visible in this image, would have included specific paper quality and possibly watermarks.
Description
This is a 10 Ruble assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1810, belonging to the series circulated during the reign of Emperor Alexander I. Assignats were the primary form of paper currency in Russia from the late 18th century until the mid-19th century. This particular note is part of the extensive issue that followed the financial reforms of 1786 and was crucial for financing state expenditures, particularly during the turbulent period of the Napoleonic Wars. The design features the Imperial double-headed eagle without crowns, a common characteristic for assignats of this period. The central inscription reads: "ОБЪЯВИТЕЛЬ СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦИИ НАШИПЛАТИТЬ АССИГНАЦІОННЫЙ БАНКЪ ДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ." (The bearer of this State Assignat is to be paid by the Assignat Bank Ten Rubles in current coin.) The serial number N° 11976432 is clearly printed twice at the bottom. The stamped year "1810" on the left and "ГОДА" on the right confirm its specific issue year. Such notes provide valuable insight into the monetary history and economic policies of the Russian Empire.