Russian Empire 10 Ruble Assignat, 1842 (1840-1843 Series)
The assignat features a classical, somewhat austere design characteristic of later Russian Imperial paper money. The central motif is the crowned double-headed eagle, the emblem of the Russian Empire, holding a scepter and orb. On the eagle's chest, a shield bears the Roman numeral 'X' (10) within a laurel wreath, indicating the denomination. The main text states the note's value and purpose. The design incorporates an intricate geometric pattern border (meander/fret) with stylized floral/foliate elements in the corners. The year '1842' and the word 'ГОДА' (year) are presented in decorative cartouches in the bottom corners, complementing the overall symmetrical and official aesthetic.
Description
This is a 10 Ruble assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1842. It represents one of the final issues of assignats before the significant monetary reform of 1843, which replaced assignats with state credit notes and aimed to stabilize the currency on a silver standard. The obverse features the Imperial double-headed eagle with the denomination 'X' (10) on its chest. The central text reads: 'Объявителю сей государственной ассигнаціи платить Ассигнаціонный Банкъ ДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ходячею монетою.' (To the bearer of this state assignat, the Assignat Bank shall pay TEN RUBLES in current coin). The assignat is dated '1842' in a decorative cartouche on the bottom left and bears the serial number N° 316661, printed twice. It is signed by 'Управляющій Р. Кавелинъ' (Manager R. Kavelin) and 'Кассиръ А. Правдинъ' (Cashier A. Pravdin). These notes are historically significant as they document the period of Russia's paper money system, which faced depreciation due to over-issuance, and the government's efforts to reform its financial system.