Banknote Billet France 100 francs 1939

Remarks:

Plis, multiple épinglages et salissures

The 100 francs Sully banknote is a specimen of French fiduciary currency issued under the Third Republic, bearing the date of 28 December 1939. It belongs to a particularly eventful period of French history, as it was put into circulation during the early months of the Second World War. This banknote is referenced under serial number K.5758.

This type of banknote takes its name from Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully (1559?1641), loyal minister and Superintendent of Finances to King Henri IV, an emblematic figure of financial rigour and economic reconstruction of the Kingdom of France. His portrait is one of the central iconographic elements of this note, reflecting the desire of the Banque de France to associate its issues with illustrious historical figures.

The 100 francs banknote represented a significant denomination in the French monetary system at the time. Its graphic design is characteristic of Banque de France productions from the interwar period, featuring highly refined intaglio engraving, elaborate decorative motifs, security watermarks, and allegorical representations typical of the official aesthetic of that era.

The notes of this series, issued at the end of 1939, were produced in a context of economic tension and national mobilisation. The letter K associated with the serial number allows for precise identification of the issue batch within the overall production of this type ? essential information for any numismatic cataloguing or authentication work.

The state of preservation as well as the rarity of the date and serial number are determining factors in the assessment of this type of banknote among collectors specialising in French paper money of the 20th century.