Russian Empire 10 Ruble Assignat, 1840 (1819-1843 Period)
The assignat features a classic design for the period, characterized by a detailed rectangular frame with a geometric pattern and ornate floral corner elements. The central motif is the Imperial double-headed eagle, crowned and holding a scepter and orb, a clear symbol of the Russian Empire. Below the eagle, the denomination '10' is encircled by a laurel wreath. The text is printed in Cyrillic, using an archaic script typical of the early 19th century, with significant decorative flourishes for signatures.
Description
This is a 10 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1840, belonging to the series issued between 1819 and 1843. Assignats were paper currency introduced in Russia in the late 18th century and served as the primary form of paper money until their gradual replacement by state credit notes starting in 1843. The obverse prominently displays the Imperial double-headed eagle, a symbol of Russian statehood. The central inscription reads: 'ОБЪЯВИТЕЛЮ СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦИИ ПЛАТИТЬ АССИГНАЦИОННЫЙ БАНКЪ ДЕСЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ. ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ.' (To the bearer of this state assignat, the Assignation Bank shall pay TEN RUBLES in current coin). The year of issue, '1840', is clearly indicated in a cartouche on the left side, with 'ГОДА' (year) on the right. Below the main text, the assignat bears the serial number '№ 443194' repeated twice, alongside the signatures of the managing official and the cashier. This particular issue is notable as it represents one of the final series of assignats before the monetary reform of 1843. Such banknotes are valuable historical artifacts reflecting the monetary system and economic conditions of the Russian Empire during the first half of the 19th century.