Banknote France 500 Francs - Pink and Blue - 26-01-1933 - Series K.2095

The 500 Francs Blue and Pink banknote, dated January 26, 1933, is one of the great classic denominations of the Banque de France, inherited from an old type created at the end of the 19th century. Issued in the last years of circulation of this model, it testifies to an era when French banknotes combined artistic richness and strong symbolism.

Of a large size, approximately 140 × 242 mm, this paper banknote features an elegant composition dominated by blue and pink hues. It is the result of the work of several renowned artists, including Georges Duval and Daniel Dupuis for the drawing, as well as Paul Dujardin, Charles-Jules Robert and Jacques-Jean Barre for the engraving.

The obverse depicts two medallions representing Hercules and Mercury, respective symbols of strength and commerce, accompanied by plant motifs and a caduceus. A decorative frieze enriches the composition, illustrating a typical iconography of the French classical tradition.

On the reverse, the scene associates Hercules and Ceres, holding a caduceus in the center of an oval frieze, while childish figures (cupids) surround a portrait of Ceres. The whole evokes abundance, prosperity, and economic balance between production and exchanges.

This banknote incorporates a watermark featuring the mention ?500 F? and ?Banque de France?, a security element characteristic of this issue.

Although this type was issued over a long period (from 1888 until the 1930s), the banknotes dated 1933 correspond to its last years of use. It was withdrawn from circulation in 1943 and then demonetized on June 4, 1945, marking the disappearance of the great classic denominations of the Banque de France.