300 Livres Assignat

The 300 livres denomination sits at the high end of the assignat range and was issued by the Caisse de l'Extraordinaire, the short-lived body created in 1789 specifically to administer the forced loan proceeds and the nationalized church properties underpinning the assignat system. Gatteaux and Lorthior were both accomplished medal engravers — their involvement reflects the Revolutionary government's early anxiety about counterfeiting, which was a genuine threat from the outset and would only worsen.

By 1791 the assignat had already depreciated measurably from its original nominal value, undermining the entire premise that confiscated biens nationaux provided adequate backing. The 300 livres face value was substantial enough that forgery was economically worthwhile, and the engraving quality was a deliberate deterrent.