Banknote Billet France 1000 francs 1943

Remarks:

Plis en croix

The 1000 francs banknote known as "Goddess and Mercury", referenced F.3584, is a French issue dating from 1943, produced under the Vichy regime during the Occupation period. This banknote belongs to one of the highest denominations in circulation in France at that time.

From an iconographic standpoint, this banknote features two major allegorical figures drawn from Greco-Roman mythology. The Goddess, a feminine representation symbolising France or a protective deity, is depicted alongside Mercury, the Roman god of commerce, travel and trade. This association reflects a desire to link monetary value to symbols of prosperity and economic stability.

The design of this banknote is characteristic of the Banque de France's output during this period, featuring highly elaborate intaglio engraving and printing, typical of the security standards of the time. The fine details of the figures, the ornaments and the geometric patterns framing the composition bear witness to the skill of the engravers and printers who worked on its production.

From a historical perspective, this banknote circulated in a particularly tense economic context, marked by restrictions linked to the Second World War, inflation and supply difficulties. The 1000 francs denomination represented a considerable sum at the time, making it a means of payment reserved for significant transactions.

This type of banknote is today sought after by collectors specialising in French notaphily, particularly for examples in good condition. Its state of preservation, its series variant and the quality of its printing are determining factors in its numismatic evaluation.