Banknote Billet France 100 francs 1968

Remarks:

Plusieurs épinglages, plis et traces de rouille (épinglages)

The 100 francs Corneille banknote is a representative example of the Banque de France's production during the second half of the 20th century. The specimen presented here bears the date of 5 September 1968 and belongs to reference V.338.

This banknote pays tribute to Pierre Corneille (1606-1684), one of the greatest French playwrights of the 17th century, author of Le Cid, Polyeucte and Horace, among others. The choice of this literary figure illustrates the French tradition of honouring on its banknotes the major personalities who have shaped the country's cultural and artistic history.

From a graphic standpoint, this banknote features a particularly refined portrait of Corneille, framed by ornamental motifs characteristic of the high-security printing techniques used by the Banque de France at the time. The decorative and typographic elements are executed with great precision, in keeping with the strict requirements of fiduciary production. The face value of 100 francs is clearly indicated.

This type of banknote was issued in 1968, a pivotal period in French economic and political history. The series of banknotes featuring French cultural figures, of which this model is a part, reflects a desire to associate the national currency with the richness of France's intellectual and artistic heritage.

From a numismatic perspective, the precise issue date and the reference V.338 allow collectors and experts to accurately identify the series and printing plate to which this specimen belongs ? essential information for assessing its rarity and state of preservation within the various specialised catalogues dedicated to 20th-century French banknotes.