Russian Empire 5 Ruble Assignat, 1817 (1786-1819 Period)
Russian Empire
1817
1786-1819
5
№ 220264
Style
The banknote features a minimalist, text-focused design characteristic of early Russian assignats. Printed on greyish-blue paper with black ink, it emphasizes functionality over intricate ornamentation. The main text, written in pre-reform Russian orthography, centrally states the redemption promise: "Объявителю сей Государственной Ассигнаціи платить Ассигнаціонный Банкъ пять рублей ходячею монетою 1817 года." (To the bearer of this State Assignat, the Assignat Bank shall pay five rubles in circulating coin of 1817). The denomination 'ПЯТЬ' (FIVE) is set within a prominent rectangular frame for easy identification. Serial numbers are repeated in various positions, and the note includes spaces for handwritten signatures of officials.
Description
This is a 5 Ruble Assignat issued by the Russian Empire in 1817. Assignats were the first paper currency introduced in Russia, beginning in 1769, primarily to finance state expenditures and wars. This particular issue, explicitly mentioning 'ходячею монетою 1817 года' (circulating coin of 1817), belongs to a series that reflects the ongoing attempts to stabilize the Russian currency system in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. The Assignat Bank was responsible for their issuance and redemption. While assignats played a crucial role in the Russian economy for several decades, they also suffered from significant inflation and depreciation due to excessive printing, leading to various monetary reforms throughout their circulation period. This note, despite its worn condition, is a tangible piece of Russian monetary history, illustrating the challenges of state finance and currency management in the early 19th century. Collectors often seek these notes for their historical context and scarcity, especially those with clearly discernible details and signatures.