Banknote Billet France 100 francs 1940

Remarks:

Plis, multiple épinglages et salissures

The 100 francs Sully banknote is an issue of the Banque de France dated January 11, 1940, bearing the reference E.6158. It belongs to a pivotal period in French history, namely the first months of the Second World War, which gives this type of banknote a particular historical dimension.

This banknote takes its name from Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully, finance minister of Henry IV and an iconic figure in French economic and financial management at the beginning of the 17th century. His effigy, carefully depicted, forms the central element of the banknote's graphic composition, reflecting the French tradition of associating denominations with prominent figures from national history.

The 100 francs Sully type was issued by the Banque de France between 1939 and 1942, in a particularly tense economic and political context. The graphic design of this banknote is characteristic of the typographic and artistic style of the era, combining complex decorative elements intended to hinder any counterfeiting attempts with ornamental motifs typical of the Banque de France's printing productions.

The face value of 100 francs represented a significant denomination in the French monetary system of the time. The precise date of January 11, 1940 and the series reference E.6158 allow this specimen to be identified with precision within the overall production of this type, thereby facilitating cataloguing and numismatic expertise.

The presence of the issue date printed directly on the banknote is a characteristic feature of the Banque de France's practices during this period, making it possible to accurately trace the chronology of issues and to distinguish between the various specimens produced throughout the lifespan of this monetary type.