Russian Empire 10 Ruble Assignat, 1816 (1786-1819 Period, Cancelled)
This assignat features a simple, text-heavy design typical of early Russian paper money. The main text is printed diagonally across the note, declaring its value and issuer. There is minimal decorative ornamentation, with security primarily relying on the quality of paper, printing, and the presence of handwritten signatures. A distinctive oval stamp with the word 'АБОЛИТЬ' (ABOLIT – Abolish/Annul) marks the note as cancelled, a common practice for redeemed or withdrawn assignats.
Description
A significant historical artifact, this 10 Ruble Assignat from the Russian Empire, issued in 1816, represents a crucial period in Russian monetary history following the Napoleonic Wars. The assignat explicitly states: 'ОБЪЯВИТЕЛЮ СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦІИ ПЛАТИТЪ АССИГНАЦІОННЫЙ БАНКЪ ДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ 1816 ГОДА.' (To the bearer of this State Assignat, the Assignation Bank shall pay TEN RUBLES in current coin 1816 YEAR). The presence of the 'АБОЛИТЬ' (Abolished) stamp indicates that this particular note was officially cancelled or redeemed, making it an example of a demonetized currency and adding to its historical narrative. Such cancelled notes provide valuable insight into the financial mechanisms of the Russian Empire and its efforts to manage its paper currency system. This piece is highly collectible for those interested in Russian numismatics, the history of paper money, and the economic aftermath of major European conflicts.