Russian Empire 10 Ruble Assignat, 1798 (1786-1819 Period)
This assignat features a minimalistic design, typical for early Russian paper money. The main text is printed diagonally in black ink, stating the value and year of issue. A large numeral '10' is visible, confirming the denomination, alongside a rectangular black ink stamp with the word 'ДЕСЯТЬ' (TEN). The note's simplicity reflects the functional rather than aesthetic priorities of early paper currency, with security relying on specific paper types, watermarks (not visible in this image), and handwritten signatures.
Description
This is a 10 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1798. Assignats were the first paper money issued by the Russian Empire, introduced to cover state expenses and facilitate trade. The diagonal inscription reads: 'ОБЪЯВИТЕЛЮ СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦИИ ПЛАТИТЬ АССИГНАЦИОННЫЙ БАНКЪ ДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ 1798 ГОДА.' (To the bearer of this state assignat, the Assignat Bank shall pay Ten Rubles in circulating coin of 1798). The serial number '№ 7350' is visible in multiple corners. The denomination '10' is clearly printed at the top center, and reinforced by a black ink stamp 'ДЕСЯТЬ' (TEN). Several handwritten signatures are present, indicating authentication by bank officials. This specific issue belongs to the 1786-1819 period, which saw various denominations and slight design changes as the assignat system evolved.