Russian Empire 1 Ruble Assignat, 1822 (Grand Duchy of Finland Issue)
The assignat features a simple, monochrome design printed in black ink on light brown paper. The top center displays the double-headed eagle emblem of the Russian Empire, crowned, with a shield bearing the Finnish lion on its chest, symbolizing the Grand Duchy's autonomous status within the Empire. Denomination '1 Rub.' is presented in an oval on the top left, and the year '1822' (with the '2' handwritten) in an oval on the top right. The main body consists of a large rectangular text block in Swedish, with additional denomination texts in Russian ('Одинъ РУБЛЬ') and Swedish ('En Rubel') below. Handwritten signatures appear in designated rectangular areas.
Description
This is a 1 Ruble Assignat issued by the Bank of Exchange and Loans of the Grand Duchy of Finland, an autonomous part of the Russian Empire, dated December 1, 1822. Such assignats were paper money used as legal tender, backed by state assets, during a period when the Russian Empire used them extensively. The note's design highlights Finland's special status within the Empire, featuring the Russian imperial eagle combined with the Finnish lion. The text on the note is predominantly in Swedish, reflecting its official language status in Finland at the time, alongside a Russian denomination. The serial number N° 215748 is prominently displayed twice. These notes are significant for understanding monetary policy and the administrative structure of the Grand Duchy of Finland under Russian rule.