500 franc 1998 — Belgium ( Pick: 149a )
Banknote description
The front side of the note features an issued design. The color scheme includes blue-black, purple, and blue-green on a multicolor underprint. The banknote is made of cotton paper.
This note is signed by individuals noted as 5 and 15. It was printed by the Banque Nationale de Belgique.
Specifications
- Signed by
- 5 and 15
- Date of issue
- 1994-1997
- Printing office
- Banque Nationale de Belgique
- Paper
- Cotton
- Colour
- Blue-black, purple, and blue-green on multicolor underprint
- Dimensions
- 150 x 75 mm
- Amount produced
- Not specified
- Pick catalog
- 149a
About this banknote
The National Bank of Belgium issued the 500 franc banknote (Pick 149a) on April 16, 1998, featuring the renowned surrealist artist René Magritte. This release was part of a series honoring notable Belgian figures. The previous 500 franc note, depicting Constantin Meunier, was gradually withdrawn and ceased to be legal tender on December 15, 1998.
The obverse displays a portrait of René Magritte, accompanied by birds, leaves, a leafless tree, and a key and keyhole as a registration device. The reverse features eight men in overcoats and bowler hats, inspired by Magritte's painting "The Son of Man," along with a chair, a cubic building, and a stylized apple. The note measures 149 x 76 mm and includes a windowed security thread and a watermark of Magritte's portrait and signature.
