Banknote France 100 Francs - Sully - 13-03-1941 - Serial V.19858

Remarks:

Plis, bel aspect 

The 500 Francs banknote, issued on 01-10-1942, is a testament to French monetary history. This banknote, from the U.6964 series, has distinct visual characteristics on both sides.

On the obverse, there is an allegorical draped bust of Peace, delicately holding an olive branch. The iconography is complemented by plant elements such as oak leaves, olive leaves, ears of wheat and flowers, symbolizing prosperity and fertility. The inscriptions "BANQUE DE FRANCE" and "CINQ CENTS FRANCS" frame the central motif, clearly indicating the face value of the banknote. The engraver Georges Hourriez created this obverse, based on a drawing by Sébastien Laurent.

The reverse of the banknote depicts agriculture, through the busts of a young woman and a young man, the latter carrying a tool on his shoulder. These figures are inspired by the painter's children. The background is decorated with the same plant elements as the obverse, creating visual coherence. The mentions "BANQUE DE FRANCE" and the face value "500 FRS" are repeated. A legal inscription recalls the penal sanctions incurred in the event of counterfeiting or falsification of banknotes. Marguerite Dreyfus (Rita) engraved this reverse, also based on a drawing by Sébastien Laurent.

The watermark reveals a female head in profile, accompanied by the distinctive monogram of the BANQUE DE FRANCE, adding an element of security and authenticity to the banknote.