Banknote Billet France 100 francs Maximilien de Béthune 1941

Remarks:

Léger plis centrale

The 100 francs Sully banknote issued in 1941 belongs to a series produced by the Banque de France during the Occupation period. It bears the series reference V.19858 and stands as a direct testimony to French monetary circulation under the Vichy regime.

This banknote takes its name from Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully (1560-1641), a major historical figure of the French monarchy, known for having served as Superintendent of Finances under the reign of Henry IV. His depiction on this 100 francs note is part of the French tradition of illustrating banknotes with personalities who have left their mark on the country's economic and political history.

The "Sully" type was put into circulation from 1940 onwards, in a particularly turbulent economic and political context for France. The 100 francs denomination represented a significant value in the hierarchy of banknotes in circulation at the time. Production of these notes continued until 1942, covering a pivotal period in contemporary French history.

Like all French banknotes of this generation, this specimen was designed with complex graphic elements intended to reduce the risk of counterfeiting, incorporating finely engraved patterns, watermarks and specific inks. The series V.19858 makes it possible to precisely identify the print batch to which this note belongs, an essential piece of information for any cataloguing or numismatic expert work.

In terms of condition, the overall state of a specimen of this type strongly influences its appeal to paper money collectors. Banknotes from this issue are now sought after for their historical value, reflecting a defining period of 20th-century French history.