Russian Empire 25 Ruble Assignat, 1814 (Overprinted Denomination)
This assignat features a uniface design, typical of early Russian paper money. The layout is primarily text-based, printed in black ink on off-white, thick paper. The central text declares the note's value and purpose: a promise to pay the bearer 25 rubles in circulating coin. A distinctive characteristic is the overprint 'ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ' (Twenty-Five) in a dark, rectangular cartouche, overlaying the original printed denomination text, which was common for issues of this period. Handwritten signatures are prominent, attesting to the note's authenticity. The design is functional and minimalistic, focusing on legibility and security through official signatures and serial numbering, rather than elaborate artistic elements.
Description
This is a 25 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1814, falling within the 1786-1819 period of assignat circulation. These assignats were paper money issued by the State Assignation Bank and were fundamental to the Russian financial system, especially during and after the Napoleonic Wars. The note clearly states 'ОБЪЯВИТЕЛЮ СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦИИ ПЛАТИТЬ АССИГНАЦИОННЫЙ БАНКЪ ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ 1814 ГОДА.' (To the bearer of this state assignat, the Assignation Bank shall pay twenty-five rubles in circulating coin of the year 1814). A notable feature is the bold overprint 'ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ' in a black rectangular box, superimposed on the printed denomination. The serial number '№ 178599' is clearly visible at the top and duplicated at the bottom. This particular issue, dated 1814, represents a crucial era for the Russian Empire, recovering from the Patriotic War of 1812. The assignat system underwent several reforms and re-issues during this tumultuous period. Collectors value these notes for their historical significance and the insights they provide into early paper currency and the economic conditions of Imperial Russia.