Banknote France 1000 Francs - Ceres and Mercury - 21-09-1939 - Serial R.7666

Remarks:

Plis, non épinglé 

The 1000 Francs Cérès and Mercury banknote, dated September 21, 1939, is a testament to French monetary history. This banknote belongs to series R.7666, which allows it to be precisely identified within the overall issue.

Iconographically, the banknote features two major allegorical figures: Ceres and Mercury. Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, harvests, and fertility, is depicted with attributes related to the land and agricultural prosperity. Her presence symbolizes the abundance and richness of French soil. Mercury, the Roman god of commerce, travelers, and communications, is associated with economic activity, trade, and commercial prosperity. These two figures together embody the foundations of national wealth: agriculture and commerce.

The combination of these two allegorical figures on a banknote underscores the importance given to these sectors of activity in the French economy of the time. The choice of Ceres and Mercury, Roman deities, is part of a classical iconographic tradition, often used to represent values and abstract concepts on monetary and financial instruments.

The year of issue, 1939, gives this banknote a particular historical dimension, as it corresponds to the beginning of the Second World War. In this context of crisis and uncertainty, the 1000 Francs Cérès and Mercury banknote may have played an important role in financial transactions and the economic life of the country.