Russian Empire 10 Ruble Assignat, 1813 (1786-1819 Period)
Russian Empire
1813
1786-1819
10
N° 4432100
Style
The assignat features a simple, text-heavy design typical of early Russian paper currency. The main legal text, promising payment of the specified denomination, is printed diagonally. Security features include the serial number printed multiple times (top left, top right, and bottom right). The denomination 'ДЕСЯТЬ' (TEN) is distinctly stamped, likely indicating an overprint on a standardized blank. The paper is coarse, and the edges are rough, suggesting a manual cutting process. There are visible handwritten signatures below the main text.
Description
This is a 10 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1813. Assignats were the first form of paper money in Russia, introduced in 1769, and played a crucial role in the financing of state expenditures, especially during periods of war. The year 1813 falls within the tumultuous period of the Napoleonic Wars, specifically after Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812, making this banknote a tangible piece of history from a time of immense national effort and financial strain. The text states: 'To the bearer of this State Assignat, the Assignat Bank shall pay TEN RUBLES in current coin in the year 1813.' The simple design reflects the urgent need for currency issuance. These assignats often suffered from depreciation due to excessive issuance, leading to fluctuations in their value against metallic currency. This specific assignat, bearing serial number N° 4432100, offers collectors a direct link to the economic and historical context of early 19th-century Russia. It is a fundamental item for any collection focusing on Russian numismatics, the Napoleonic era, or the evolution of paper money.