Russian Empire 5 Ruble Assignat, 1805 (1786-1819 Period)
Russian Empire
1805
1786-1819
5
№ 300575
Style
The assignat features a minimalist, text-heavy design characteristic of early Russian paper money. It is printed on thick, rough paper, likely with a greenish-blue tint. The primary design elements are the central legal text detailing the promise to pay, the denomination, and the year of issue. A large, prominent stamped 'ПЯТЬ' (FIVE) indicates the value. Serial numbers are placed in the upper center and lower corners. The overall aesthetic is functional rather than ornamental, typical for a transitional period of currency issuance.
Description
This is a 5 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1805. These assignats were paper money issued by the Assignat Bank (Ассигнаціонный Банкъ) to supplement or replace metallic currency, particularly during periods of war and economic strain. The text clearly states: 'ОБЪЯВИТЕЛЮ СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦІИ ПЛАТИТЬ АССИГНАЦІОННЫЙ БАНКЪ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ 1805 ГОДА.' (The bearer of this State Assignat is to be paid by the Assignat Bank FIVE RUBLES with current coin of the year 1805.) The specific year 1805 places it within the period of assignat issues during the reign of Alexander I, following earlier issues under Catherine the Great. The serial number № 300575 is visible in three locations. These notes are significant historical artifacts, reflecting the economic policies and monetary system of the Russian Empire in the early 19th century. They were generally printed on thick, watermarked paper (though the watermark is not visible here) to deter counterfeiting. Despite its worn condition, the note is legible and represents an important piece of Russian numismatic history.