Russian Empire 5 Ruble Assignat, 1834 (1819-1843 Period)
This assignat features a central double-headed eagle, the emblem of the Russian Empire, crowned and clutching an olive branch and arrows (or similar regalia). The numeral '5' is inscribed within a shield on the eagle's chest. Below the eagle, the main inscription reads: 'ОБЪЯВИТЕЛЮ СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦИИ НАШЪ ПЛАТИТЬ АССИГНАЦИОННЫЙ БАНКЪ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ.' (To the bearer of this state assignat, our Assignation Bank shall pay five rubles in circulating coin). The note is enclosed within an ornate decorative border. At the bottom, the serial number N° 501867 appears twice. The year '1834' is stamped in an oval cartouche on the left, and 'ГОД' (Year) in a similar cartouche on the right. Signatures are present below the main text. The overall color is a faded blue.
Description
This is a historically significant 5 Ruble assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1834, part of the 1819-1843 series under Emperor Nicholas I. Assignats were the primary form of paper money in Russia from 1769 until the monetary reform of 1843, when they were gradually replaced by State Credit Notes. This particular denomination, 5 Rubles, was a common value for everyday transactions. The front (obverse) prominently displays the double-headed eagle, the imperial emblem, signifying the authority of the issuing State Assignation Bank. The text clearly states the obligation to pay the bearer 'five rubles in circulating coin,' highlighting the fiduciary nature of these notes. Collectors will appreciate the clear year stamp '1834' and the legible signatures of the Manager V. Koveskiy (В. Ковескій) and Cashier I. Cheglokov (И. Чеглоковъ), which are crucial for authentication and cataloging. Despite its poor-to-fair condition, characterized by extensive wear, folds, tears, and discoloration, the banknote remains a tangible piece of Russian imperial financial history. Its age and the visible signs of circulation tell a story of its active role in the economy of the era. Such artifacts provide insight into the monetary system and daily life in Russia during the first half of the 19th century. This note is a valuable addition to any collection focused on Russian paper money, assignats, or the reign of Nicholas I.