Banknote Billet France 100 francs 1941

Remarks:

Plusieurs épinglages, plis et salissures

The 100 francs Sully type banknote is a major witness to French monetary history in the first half of the 20th century. Issued by the Banque de France, this banknote bears the date of 6 February 1941 and belongs to series V.18943.

This banknote takes its name from Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully, the illustrious Finance Minister of Henry IV, whose portrait adorns the graphic composition. The choice of this historical figure is not incidental: a great reformer of the French economy in the early 17th century, Sully symbolised financial rigour and prosperity, values that the Banque de France wished to associate with this high-denomination banknote.

The 100 francs Sully banknote was put into circulation during a particularly sensitive period of French history, in the midst of World War II, under the Vichy regime. This 1941 issue is set against a difficult economic backdrop marked by the German occupation, which gives these banknotes a significant historical and documentary dimension.

From a graphic standpoint, this banknote displays the typographic and artistic characteristics typical of Banque de France productions of that era, featuring meticulous intaglio work, elaborate decorative motifs and security elements integrated into the overall composition. The colours, watermarks and complex printing bear witness to the expertise of the Banque de France's printers.

The face value of 100 francs represented a significant denomination in the French monetary system at the time. Banknotes from this series, depending on their condition, are today sought after by collectors specialising in 20th-century French numismatics, and more particularly in issues from the Occupation period.