Russian Empire 25 Ruble Assignat, 1811 (1786-1819 Period)
This assignat features a simple, uniface (one-sided) design characteristic of early Russian paper currency. The central text announces the denomination and obligation of the State Assignation Bank. Key features include the prominent year '1811 ГОДА.' and the denomination 'ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ' (twenty-five) enclosed in a decorative rectangular frame. The note incorporates two large, circular watermarks (visible when held against light) as primary security features, a common practice for Russian assignats of this period. Signatures of the bank officials are handwritten at the bottom.
Description
This is a 25 Ruble assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1811. Assignats were the first paper money introduced in Russia, initially in 1769, and went through several emissions and redesigns. The 1811 issue belongs to the second major series of assignats (1786-1819), which saw increased denominations and widespread circulation, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. The note states that 'ОБЪЯВИТЕЛЮ СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦИИ ПЛАТИТЬ АССИГНАЦИОННЫЙ БАНКЪ ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ' (To the bearer of this State Assignat, the Assignation Bank shall pay twenty-five rubles in circulating coin). This phrasing underscores its status as a promissory note backed by coinage. The serial number N° 289643 is clearly visible, and three distinct handwritten signatures authenticate the note. The handwritten 'Др. 6' near the date '1811 ГОДА' might indicate a specific issuance day, possibly 'Декабря 6' (December 6th). A handwritten '233' in the bottom right corner is likely a collector's or inventory mark.