Russian Empire 5 Ruble Assignat, 1813 (1786-1819 Period)
The banknote features a simple, utilitarian design typical of Russian assignats from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It is printed on dark blue paper with black ink. The main text is a declaration promising payment, framed by basic decorative elements or lines. Serial numbers appear multiple times. Signatures are handwritten.
Description
This is a 5 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1813, during the reign of Emperor Alexander I. Assignats were paper money introduced in Russia in the late 18th century and served as the primary form of currency until the mid-19th century. The 1813 issue falls within the 1786-1819 period, a time of significant economic challenges, including the Napoleonic Wars, which led to large emissions of paper money. This specific denomination (5 rubles) on dark blue paper is characteristic of the period. The note bears the serial number N°956079 and includes handwritten signatures, likely of the Director and Cashier. The text declares that the Assignat Bank will pay "Пять Рублей ходячею монетою 1813 года" (Five Rubles in circulating coin of 1813). The 'H. 86' marking in the bottom right corner likely indicates a specific series or register number. These assignats are important historical artifacts reflecting the monetary policy and economic conditions of the Russian Empire during a pivotal era.