Russian Empire 25 Ruble Assignat, 1775 (1769-1786 Period)
The assignat features a prominent double-headed Imperial eagle with a crown at the top center, symbolizing the Russian Empire. Below the eagle is a cartouche with the denomination '25'. The central text block, declaring the note's value and the obligation of the Assignat Bank, is framed by an ornate border incorporating neoclassical elements, small crowns, and floral motifs. The year '1775' is enclosed in an oval cartouche at the bottom left, balanced by a similar decorative cartouche at the bottom right. The main text is in clear Cyrillic block script, with signatures in elegant cursive. The design reflects typical 18th-century aesthetics for early paper currency.
Description
This 25 ruble assignat from 1775 is a significant piece of Russian numismatic history, representing one of the earliest issues of paper money by the Russian Empire under Catherine the Great. These assignats were introduced to finance state expenditures, especially during the Russo-Turkish War. The '1769-1786' series is distinguished by its relatively simple yet dignified design. The note prominently features the double-headed Imperial eagle, a powerful emblem of Russian sovereignty. The central inscription guarantees payment of 'ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' (Twenty-five Rubles) by the 'Ассигнаціонный Банкъ' (Assignat Bank). This particular assignat bears the handwritten signatures of K. Kubanenko as the Manager (Управляющій) and Egorov as the Cashier (Кассиръ), key officials during this period. Collectors highly value these early assignats for their historical context, rarity, and insight into the financial innovations of the 18th-century Russian Empire. The serial number N° 5855429 indicates it was part of a substantial issuance.