Banknote Billet France 500 francs Victor Hugo 1958

Remarks:

Plis et épinglements

The 500 francs Victor Hugo banknote was issued in 1958 by the Banque de France. It belongs to one of the most iconic series in twentieth-century French numismatics, featuring as its central subject one of the most important literary figures in the history of France.

This banknote bears series L.87, a reference that allows precise identification of its issue batch within the overall production of this type of banknote. The series is a key element for collectors wishing to establish the traceability and relative rarity of a given example.

The portrait of Victor Hugo (1802?1885), French novelist, poet and playwright, is prominently featured on this banknote, reflecting the desire of the French monetary authorities of the time to honour the national cultural heritage through fiduciary representation. Hugo, author of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame among others, embodies a guiding figure of literature and civic commitment in France.

The face value of this banknote is 500 francs, making it a high-denomination note within the French monetary system of the era, prior to the transition to the new franc in 1960, during which this type of banknote was gradually withdrawn from circulation. This monetary transition lends these banknotes a particular historical interest, as they belong to the last issues of the old French franc.