PAIR of ROYAL EMBOSSED ASSIGNATS in 5 LIVRES VALUE YEARS 1791 & 1792

$34.95

In stock

These payment certificates may have been used in French America ( primarily Canada, Detroit, New Orleans & St. Louis ), but were a direct result of the American Revolution ( by 1790 France was bankrupt ). It was not until Napoleon reformed the system ( with the introduction of a new currency called the Franc ) in 1803 ( same year as the US bought Louisiana ), that this craziness came to an end. On the slim chance that any circulated on this continent, it would have to be in well used condition – these Assignats ( be it based on confiscated property, gold, or the good faith of …. ) was the nation’s answer to money ( similar to American Continental currency ). These genuine Assignats of the 1790’s are a significant part of monetary history, possibly extending into North America. Here is a set of 2 genuine 5 Livres (same as the British Monetary system where 12 Deniers made up a sous or a sol and 20 of which made a Livre – So, 5 livres was worth 1,200 Deniers) Assignat (printed one side only) representing the years 1791 (dates available are = May 6 / Sept 28 / Nov 1) & 1792 (dates available = March 30 / June 27 / July 31) , in used condition. Original embossed portrait & wording of Louis XVI is in the center of each-somewhat worn, both on Royal watermarked paper.