500 francs 1941 — France ( Pick: 95 )
Banknote description
The front side features a design from 1940-1945, displaying Pax with a wreath on the left in green, lilac, and multicolor. The back side shows a man and woman on the right. The note is signed by J. Belin, P. Rousseau, and R. Favre-Gilly, with multiple signature dates listed, including 6.2.1941-25.2.1943 and other dates throughout 1944 and 1945.
This banknote measures 195 x 115 mm. France produced various denominations during the early 1940s, particularly in response to the economic conditions and changes in governance brought about by the Second World War.
Specifications
- Signed by
- J. Belin, P. Rousseau and R. Favre-Gilly
- Date of issue
- 1941
- Colour
- green, lilac and multicolor
- Dimensions
- 195 x 115 mm
- Pick catalog
- 95
About this banknote
The Banque de France issued the 500 francs "La Paix" banknote in 1941, replacing the previous 500 francs blue and pink note. This new design was part of a series introduced to enhance national cohesion during a period of conflict. The note was printed from January 1940 to March 1945 and was demonetized on June 4, 1945.
The front of the banknote features an allegorical figure of Peace, depicted as a woman draped in a yellow and blue toga, crowned with laurel and oak leaves, holding an olive branch. The back displays the busts of a young man with a tool on his shoulder and a young woman with wheat and daisies in her hair, symbolizing Agriculture and Youth. The note measures 195 x 115 mm and includes a watermark of a laureate woman's profile and the Banque de France monogram.
