Banknote Billet France 500 francs Blaise Pascal 1983

Remarks:

Multiple épinglages, plis et salissures

The 500 francs Pascal banknote is an issue of the Banque de France, dated 6 January 1983, belonging to series E.170. It is one of the most iconic banknotes in twentieth-century French numismatics, bearing a face value of 500 francs.

This banknote pays tribute to Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician, physicist, philosopher and theologian of the 17th century, whose portrait appears in a central position on the main face. The banknote was first introduced in 1968 and remained in circulation until the replacement of the French franc by the euro, representing a significant period in French monetary history.

On its obverse, the banknote features the portrait of Blaise Pascal within an elaborate graphic composition, accompanied by elements representative of his scientific work, particularly in relation to the arithmetical machine he designed. Architectural and ornamental elements frame the composition, with the face value of 500 francs clearly indicated.

The reverse of the banknote features motifs linked to Pascal's work and universe, incorporating graphic elements characteristic of Banque de France production, including finely drawn guilloche patterns that also contribute to the security of the fiduciary document.

Like all banknotes in this series, it incorporates several anti-counterfeiting devices specific to the printing techniques in use at the time, including intaglio printing, which is distinctive to the touch, and watermark elements visible by transparency.