French Republic 50 Livres Assignat, 1792 (French Revolution)
This Assignat features a neoclassical design with strong revolutionary symbolism. The central vignette depicts an allegorical figure (likely Liberty or the Republic) seated, holding a Phrygian cap on a pole and a fasces. A Gallic rooster is at her feet. The design is framed by a Greek key (meander) pattern border. Prominent textual elements include the issuing authority, denomination, date of creation, and revolutionary mottos and warnings against counterfeiting.
Description
This is a 50 Livres Assignat issued by the French Republic during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution. It bears the creation date of '14. Décbre 1792.', marking it as an issue from 'l'An premier de la République' (the first year of the Republic). Assignats were paper currency issued by the National Assembly of France during the Revolution, initially as bonds backed by the value of nationalized church lands (biens nationaux). They were denominated in Livres, the traditional French monetary unit before the Franc. The note features a central allegorical figure embodying the ideals of the Republic, with the motto 'LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ' at the bottom. Security warnings 'LA LOI PUNIT DE MORT LE CONTREFACTEUR.' (The law punishes the counterfeiter with death.) and 'LA NATION RÉCOMPENSE LE DÉNONCIATEUR.' (The nation rewards the denouncer.) are printed vertically along the left and right margins, respectively. The serial number N° 1131 and series number série 5123 are clearly visible. Engraver's mark 'Gatteaux inv.' (Nicolas-Marie Gatteaux, designer) and 'A. Gardien sc.' (A. Gardien, engraver) are present.