Banknote French West Africa 5 Francs - Dakar - 13 January 1928 - Series S 4131

Remarks:

Déchirrures, salissures, traces d'usures, trous d'épinglages

The 5-franc banknote from the Banque de l'Afrique Occidentale, issued in Dakar on January 13, 1928, is a testament to the monetary history of this region. This banknote, referenced in the S 4131 series, features distinctive characteristics on both its obverse and reverse.

On the obverse, the banknote features a careful visual composition. There is a lion's head positioned on the left. On the right, a set of cultural and symbolic elements is represented, including a bowl, a drum, a sword, tree leaves, and a curtain. The inscription "BANQUE DE L'AFRIQUE OCCIDENTALE" is clearly visible, followed by the face value "CINQ FRANCS" and the place of issue "DAKAR". The names of the artists who contributed to the design of the banknote are also mentioned: "h.Bellery Desfontaines del." and "Ernest Florian SC.". Henri Jules Ferdinand Bellery-Desfontaines is credited as the designer, while Ernest-Théophile Florian is identified as the engraver.

The reverse of the banknote is distinguished by a frame and inscriptions in olive green. The text is reproduced in Arabic on the left and Wolof on the right. The signature "h.Bellery Desfontaines" is also present, referring to the artist who participated in the design. A translation of the text indicates "one dirham." As with the obverse, Henri Jules Ferdinand Bellery-Desfontaines is credited as the designer.

The banknote incorporates a watermark bearing the initials "R&F" as a security measure. Its dimensions are 160 mm in length and 82 mm in width. All these elements contribute to defining the identity and authenticity of this banknote issued in West Africa in the early 20th century.