Banknote France 500 Francs - The peace - 01-10-1942 - Serial U.6964

Remarks:

Plis, bel aspect 

The 500 Francs banknote, issued on October 1st, 1942, is a testament to the era in which it was created. This banknote, with a face value of 500 francs, features a rich and symbolic iconography.

On the front, there is a draped allegorical bust of Peace, delicately holding an olive branch. The background is adorned with oak leaves, symbols of strength and longevity, olive leaves, representing peace and prosperity, ears of wheat, evoking abundance and fertility, as well as various flowers, adding a touch of elegance and beauty. The inscriptions "BANQUE DE FRANCE" and "CINQ CENTS FRANCS" frame the central motif, affirming the authority of the issuing institution and the value of the banknote. The engraver of this side is Georges Hourriez, and the designer is Sébastien Laurent.

The back 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 children of the painter Sébastien Laurent himself. As on the front, oak leaves, olive leaves, ears of wheat, and flowers complete the ensemble. The inscriptions "BANQUE DE FRANCE" and "500 FRS" are repeated, reinforcing the identification of the banknote. A legal text, relating to penal sanctions in case of counterfeiting, is also present. Marguerite Dreyfus (Rita) is the engraver of this side, while Sébastien Laurent is the designer.

The watermark reveals a female head in profile, accompanied by the monogram of the BANQUE DE FRANCE, adding additional security to the banknote. The series of this banknote is U.6964.