Description and research notes
Early small‑denomination assignat dated to the constitutional monarchy’s final months—'Loi du 4 Janvier 1792' and 'L’An Quatrième de la Liberté' appear in the header cartouches. Printed for the Domaines Nationaux program, these 15‑sol notes bridged everyday commerce and the land‑backed credit scheme that financed the Revolution.
The frame is packed with didactic devices: laurel panels, civic emblems, the legal threats against forgers, and the reward to informers. A large blind‑embossed state seal anchors the center; the value sits in a round cartouche flanked by allegorical figures. Manuscript signature 'Buttin' and 'Série 1808' identify the control group for this print run.
PMG 58 Choice About Uncirculated—light handling but strong paper body and crisp embossing. As 1792 issues tended to circulate into the turbulent 1793–1794 period, examples in near‑unc condition are notably scarcer than their grade suggests, making this a prime study piece for the transition from monarchy to republic on France’s paper money.