French Revolution Assignat paper currency for 15 sols

Access and use

Location of collection:
George Mason University
2400 Fenwick Library
Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library MS2FL
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Mieko Palazzo
Phone: (703) 993-2220
Fax: (703) 993-2669
Restrictions:

There are no access restrictions.

Terms of access:

Public Domain. There are no known restrictions.

Preferred citation:

French Revolution Assignat paper currency for 15 sols, C0537, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries

Summary

Extent:
.01 Linear Feet 1 folder
Creator:
George Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections Research Center
Abstract:
A single-sided French Revolution Assignat paper currency worth 15 sols.
Language:
French
Preferred citation:

French Revolution Assignat paper currency for 15 sols, C0537, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries

Background

Scope and content:

A single-sided French Revolution Assignat paper currency worth 15 sols. The value is indicated at the top center of the note and in the circle at the bottom center between two female figures dressed in Classical clothing. All text is in French and this note is identified as Series 426 [Série 426]. Two round embossed seals are found on the left and right sides of the note. The paper note is placed inside a small envelope with an informational summary titled "Assignat October 1792 French Revolution" taped to the front.

Biographical / historical:

The French Revolution (1789-1799), also known as The Revolution of 1789, is the initial period of rapid social and political change in French history, the catalyst for which was dissatisfaction with the government's handling, under King Louis XVI (1774-1792) of issues surrounding the country's financial problems and systemic social inequality. Over the decade that followed, revolutionaries overthrew the monarchy and in 1792 established the First French Republic. However, this new government soon found itself engaged in a series of conflicts with neighboring European powers, collectively known as the French Revolutionary Wars (1792-1802), as well as increased violence at home, including the Reign of Terror (1793-1794) which saw between 20,000-40,000 people killed including many of leaders of The Revolution of 1789. The period of The French Revolution is considered to formally conclude with the fall of the First French Republic to Napolean Bonaparte (1769-1821) in 1799, later establishing the First French Empire in 1804.

Assignats were the longest lasting of the paper bills issued during The French Revolution in attempts to address the country's financial problems. Based on a monetary system where 1 livre = 20 sols, the assignats were first issued as bonds and initially meant as a way to quickly pay off the national debt. However, on April 17, 1790 the assignats were declared legal tender and the mass production of this now paper currency led to inflation and decrease in value. By 1797, the assignats were removed from circulation and replaced with the franc.

Acquisition information:
Donor is unknown.
Processing information:

Processing and finding aid completed by Meghan Glasbrenner in July 2025.

Arrangement:

This is a single item collection.

Physical location:
R 71, C 1, S 7
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard