Banknote Billet France 100 francs 1904

Remarks:

Plis, salissures et épinglages

The 100 Francs Blue and Pink banknote issued in 1904 belongs to one of the most iconic series in French monetary history. Part of Series 002, this banknote was issued by the Banque de France, the central institution responsible for managing and issuing banknotes on French territory at that time.

From a chromatic perspective, this banknote is distinguished by a characteristic combination of hues, blending blue and pink, which is precisely the origin of its name. This colour palette was typical of the printing techniques used at the turn of the 20th century, aimed at making fraudulent reproduction more difficult while giving these official documents a refined aesthetic.

Iconographically, banknotes of this type generally feature allegorical representations typical of the official art of the Third Republic, with female figures symbolising France or republican values, framed by ornamental motifs and fine guilloche patterns. The inscriptions indicate the face value of 100 francs as well as legal warnings against counterfeiting.

This banknote was produced during a period of relative economic stability in France, before the upheavals caused by the two World Wars that would profoundly alter the national monetary system. The franc was at that time a solid currency, anchored to the gold standard, which gave this 100 francs banknote considerable purchasing power for the era.

The condition of these century-old banknotes varies considerably from one example to another, which directly affects their appeal to collectors specialising in notaphily.