Banknote Billet France 10 francs 1975

Remarks:

Plis et salissures

The 10 francs banknote known as "Berlioz" is an issue of the Banque de France dated 7 August 1975, belonging to series S.215. This banknote is part of a series that was put into circulation between 1972 and 1978, paying tribute to the French composer Hector Berlioz (1803-1869), one of the major figures of French musical romanticism, author notably of the Symphonie fantastique.

On the obverse of the banknote appears the portrait of Hector Berlioz, depicted in three-quarter view, accompanied by iconographic elements related to his musical work. The graphic composition also integrates architectural and ornamental motifs characteristic of the style of French banknotes of that era. The face value of 10 francs is clearly indicated in both words and figures.

The reverse of the banknote features a representation of the Grande Salle du Conservatoire de Paris, a place intimately linked to Berlioz's career, as well as ornamental details typical of Banque de France productions of this period. The dominant colours of the banknote revolve around shades of brown and green, with ochre nuances characteristic of this issue.

This banknote was designed by the engraver and artist Jules Piel, whose engraving talent is perceptible in the rendering of the portrait and the surrounding decorations. The security features specific to banknotes of this generation are integrated, including the watermark depicting Berlioz's portrait visible by transparency, as well as intaglio printing conferring a characteristic tactile relief.