Russian Empire 25 Ruble Assignat, 1787 (1786-1819 Period)
Russian Empire
1787
1786-1819
25
N° 4295950
Style
The assignat features a classical Russian Empire design for its period. The top center is dominated by a large double-headed eagle with three crowns, holding a scepter and orb, symbolizing imperial authority. The central text is enclosed in a rectangular frame with a fine hatched background. Ornate decorative borders frame the entire note and accent the lower corners where the denomination is displayed. The font used for the main declaration is a clear, serif Cyrillic, while the signatures are in a distinct cursive script.
Description
This is a 25 Ruble Assignat from the Russian Empire, belonging to the second major issue period (1786-1819). While these notes were issued over many years, this specific design type for the 25 ruble denomination dates back to 1787. The obverse prominently displays the imperial double-headed eagle at the top. The central inscription reads: 'ОБЪЯВЛЯЕМЪ СЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ АССИГНАЦІИ ПЛАТИТЬ ДВАДЦАТЬ ПЯТЬ РУБЛЕЙ ХОДЯЧЕЮ МОНЕТОЮ' (We declare this State Assignat to pay Twenty-Five Rubles in circulating coin). Below the main text, the signatures of the 'Управляющиi' (Manager/Director) and 'Кассиръ' (Cashier) are present. The serial number 'N° 4295950' is printed twice at the bottom. The denomination '25' is enclosed in decorative circular frames in the lower left and right corners. These assignats were paper money, convertible into copper coin (which was the 'ходячая монета' or circulating coin of the time) and played a crucial role in the Russian economy during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They often experienced depreciation due to over-issuance.