100 francs 1945

Common. The 1945 100 Francs (Pick-85) is a standard regular issue banknote with substantial circulation. eBay market data shows consistent availability with numerous sales spanning over a decade (2009-2025), with VF specimens typically fetching $10-$32 and even EF examples selling for around $30-$32 in this period. The extensive population of professionally graded examples and steady supply indicate no scarcity. While EF examples command modest premiums over circulated grades, the note remains readily available to collectors at affordable prices.

Issued during the final year of World War II, this 100 Francs note reflects Algeria's economic circumstances under French colonial administration transitioning from wartime controls. The iconography—featuring traditional Algerian pastoral life with oxen plowing and a fortified Kasbah-style settlement in the mountainous interior—celebrates the agricultural heritage and indigenous culture of Algeria during a pivotal moment before the nation's independence struggle (1954-1962). The bilingual French-Arabic inscriptions and traditional imagery underscore Algeria's dual cultural identity in the late colonial period.

The obverse features a dignified portrait of an Algerian man depicted in three-quarter profile facing left, wearing a traditional grey turban and white garments typical of Maghrebi dress. Behind the portrait sits a romanticized landscape with a fortified structure (likely a Kasbah or similar North African fortress) and mountain range, representing Algeria's architectural heritage. The design is framed by elaborate decorative borders featuring golden wheat and grain stalks, symbolizing agricultural prosperity. The reverse presents a larger pastoral scene celebrating rural life, with Algerian farmers conducting plowing with oxen in the foreground, a fortified hilltop settlement (possibly representing a town in the Atlas region) in the middle distance, and mountains beyond. This scene is bordered by ornamental engravings of pomegranates, grape vines, and vegetation in gold and green tones, emphasizing agricultural wealth and fertility. The multi-colored palette—comprising blues, greens, browns, golds, and warm ochre tones—creates visual depth and reflects high-quality engraving standards.

OBVERSE: 'BANQUE DE L'ALGERIE' (Bank of Algeria); 'CENT FRANCS' (One Hundred Francs); 'مائة فرنك' (One Hundred Francs in Arabic); 'L'ART. 139 DU CODE PENAL PUNIT DES TRAVAUX FORCES A PERPETUITE LE CONTREFACTEUR' (Article 139 of the Penal Code punishes counterfeiting with forced labor for life); 'JACQUES SIMON FEC.' (Jacques Simon made/designed this); 'C. BELTRAND SC.' (C. Beltrand engraved this); Serial number and date marking 'A.23-5-1945.A'; Control numbers '048' and '0.1972'. REVERSE: 'BANQUE DE L'ALGERIE' (Bank of Algeria); '100' (denomination); 'JACQUES SIMON FEC.' (Jacques Simon made/designed this); 'HOURRLEZ SC.' (Hourrlez engraved this); Arabic text relating to official regulations.

Intaglio engraving (taille-douce), as evidenced by the crisp line work, fine detail reproduction, and characteristic embossed quality visible in both the portraiture and landscape elements. The signatures of Jacques Simon (designer/engraver) and secondary engravers (C. Beltrand and Hourrlez) confirm professional engraving workshop production typical of Banque de l'Algérie's security printing standards. The note was likely produced by or under contract with the Banque de France's printing facilities, as was standard for colonial-era French African currency.

The specimen examined displays the standard Pick-85 variety with signature cartouches for Jacques Simon (designer) and C. Beltrand/Hourrlez (engravers). The date marking 'A.23-5-1945.A' corresponds to the May 23, 1945 issue date specified in catalog records. Serial number '49290048' with prefix '049290048' follows standard Banque de l'Algérie numbering conventions. The PMG Population Report notes two Pick number variants (P-85 and P-85s, the latter indicating specimen overprints), though the present note shows no specimen overprint visible. Control numbers '048' and '0.1972' are standard security features of regular circulation issues.