Russian Empire 10 Ruble Assignat, 1835 (1819-1843 Period)
The assignat features a characteristic early 19th-century Russian Empire design. It is monochromatic, printed in dark ink on light paper, with a rectangular frame adorned with intricate geometric patterns and rococo-inspired corner flourishes. The top center is dominated by the Imperial double-headed eagle, crowned and holding a scepter and orb, with a shield bearing the denomination '10' on its chest. The central text is in Cyrillic, stating the promise to pay. Signatures are handwritten below the main text. The year of issue is prominently displayed in a decorative oval in the lower-left corner, and the serial number is printed twice at the bottom.
Description
This is a 10 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1835, falling within the 1819-1843 period of assignat circulation. It represents an important piece of Russian financial history, used as paper money alongside metallic currency during the reign of Emperor Nicholas I. The central inscription reads: 'To the bearer of this State Assignat, our Assignation Bank will pay ten rubles in circulating coin.' This denomination was widely used for daily transactions. The design, with its Imperial eagle and detailed border, reflects the official state iconography and the prevailing aesthetic of the era. Collectors will appreciate its historical significance and the tangible link it provides to the economic realities of the Russian Empire. Despite its circulated condition, all critical identifying features, such as the year, denomination, serial number, and signatures, remain clearly visible, making it a valuable addition to a collection of Russian paper money.