Banknote Billet France 100 francs René Descartes 1944

Remarks:

Plis de comptage

The 100 francs Descartes banknote issued in 1944 belongs to one of the most iconic series of the Banque de France during the Second World War and the Liberation period. This banknote, part of series K.117, stands as a direct testimony to a pivotal era in French monetary history.

This type of banknote pays tribute to René Descartes (1596-1650), a French philosopher, mathematician and scientist, considered one of the fathers of modern philosophy and the inventor of analytical geometry. His major work, the Discourse on the Method, published in 1637, profoundly influenced Western thought. The choice of this intellectual figure to adorn a banknote reflects France's desire to associate its currency with its cultural and scientific heritage.

The banknote features the typical graphic characteristics of Banque de France production of that era, with fine engraving work highlighting the philosopher's portrait. The face value of 100 francs made it a significant denomination in the French monetary system of the time.

From a numismatic perspective, the banknotes of this series issued in 1944 hold particular historical interest, as they circulated during a period of profound economic and political upheaval in France. The K.117 series allows collectors and historians to precisely identify the production batch of this banknote within the overall issue.