Russian Empire 10 Ruble Assignat, 1800 (Assignation Bank Issue)
The assignat features a utilitarian design typical of early paper currency, with primary focus on legal text and official markings. It is printed on rough, yellowish-brown paper using monochromatic ink. The design incorporates simple text fields for denomination and issuer details, surrounded by what would originally have been decorative borders (now mostly lost due to damage). Hand-written signatures are prominent in the lower section, indicating manual authorization. Overprints and control stamps are also part of its characteristic style.
Description
This is a significant fragment of a 10 Ruble Assignat issued by the Assignation Banks of the Russian Empire in 1800. These assignats were a crucial form of paper currency during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The visible text confirms the denomination as 'ДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ' (TEN RUBLES) and the year '1800'. A rectangular control overprint 'ДЕСЯТЬ' further emphasizes the denomination. A circular control stamp or handwritten inscription, partially legible, appears in the upper right, reading '№ 02005' and 'ДЕК[АБРЬ] 1800 ГОДА' (December 1800), indicating a specific control or issuance batch. The lower right section prominently displays two handwritten signatures in dark ink, likely those of the Director and Cashier of the Assignation Bank, with names such as Labunsky (Директор Лабунский) and Kozodavlev (Кассиръ Козодавлевъ) being common for this period and denomination. A control number '№ 2920531' is also visible in this area. Despite its extremely poor and fragmented condition, with significant tears, missing sections, creases, and discoloration, this assignat fragment remains a valuable historical artifact for collectors interested in the monetary history of the Russian Empire. It provides insight into the design, issuance practices, and authentication methods of early Russian paper money.