Russian Empire 25 Ruble Assignat, 1819 (1786-1819 Period)
The assignat features a classic design for Russian paper currency of the early 19th century. The central element is the Imperial Russian double-headed eagle, crowned and holding a scepter and orb, with St. George on a shield on its chest, surrounded by the Order of St. Andrew. The main text is in Cyrillic, declaring the note's value and its payment by the State Assignat Bank. The note's color is a distinctive blue, characteristic of 25 Ruble assignats of this era. A simple linear border with decorative corner elements frames the central design. The year '1819' is prominently displayed in an ornate cartouche in the lower left, balanced by 'ГОДА' (Year) in a similar cartouche on the right.
Description
This 25 Ruble Assignat from the Russian Empire, dated 1819, represents a significant piece of Russian monetary history during the reign of Emperor Alexander I. Issued by the State Assignat Bank, these notes were a form of paper currency, often used to finance state expenditures. The 1819 issue is particularly interesting as it marks the end of a series of assignats (often referred to as the second issue type, 1786-1819) just before significant monetary reforms were introduced. Despite its worn condition, the note vividly displays the Imperial double-headed eagle and the Cyrillic text declaring its value, along with the authentic handwritten signatures of the bank's manager and cashier. Collectors often seek these assignats for their historical value, providing insight into the economic challenges and currency practices of Imperial Russia. The blue color specifically designated the 25 ruble denomination, helping to distinguish it from other values like the green 5 rubles or yellow 10 rubles.