Banknote Billet Madagascar 20 francs 1947-1953

Remarks:

Plis de comptage, tâches

The 20 Francs Madagascar banknote, issued between 1947 and 1953, belongs to series W.516. It is rooted in the context of the French colonial administration of Madagascar, a period during which the Caisse Centrale de la France d'Outre-Mer managed the island's monetary affairs.

This banknote represents a pivotal period in Malagasy monetary history, corresponding to the years that immediately followed the Second World War and preceded the major monetary reforms of the French overseas territories. The denomination of 20 francs was then a common note in the island's fiduciary circulation.

From an iconographic standpoint, banknotes of this era issued for Madagascar generally featured representations typical of French colonial territories, blending local motifs evocative of the island's fauna, flora, or populations, along with symbols recalling membership in the broader French Union. The characteristic hues and graphic ornaments of this series reflect the graphic arts style prevalent in post-war French banknote production.

Series W.516 allows for precise identification of the issuance batch within the overall production of this type of banknote, which is of particular importance for collectors and researchers seeking to establish the chronology and relative rarity of the various print runs.

This banknote bears witness to a period of significant economic and political transition for Madagascar, before the island gradually gained autonomy and then independence in 1960, ultimately leading to the creation of the country's own national currency.