Valeur Des Assignats Et Autres Papiers Monnoies, Depuis L'epoque de leur émission en France, jusqu'à celle ou ils ont cessé d'avoir Cours. Rare Hand coloured trompe l'oeil copper engraving by J.Benizy, dit Dubuisson. Circa.1797. 40 by 29 cms. Pl.
Assignats were bank notes issued by France between 1789 and 1797 during the French Revolution. Initially issued in the form of bonds, the assignat was intended to stimulate the French economy as a quick way to repay the National debt. Despite their initial success they quickly lost their value, largely due to the lack of investor confidence in the stability of the revolutionary government. In 1797 they ceased to circulate and were replaced by the Franc.