20 francs 1941

Common. Despite its wartime date and specific P-78c Pick catalog designation, this note demonstrates strong market availability evidenced by consistent eBay transaction history spanning from 2012 to 2025. VF specimens have sold repeatedly between $3.24 and $26.02, with 2016 catalog values listing VF at $6 and UNC at $75. The large print run required for colonial circulation in Algeria, combined with the abundance of surviving examples in the secondary market, confirms common status. The modest price ceiling ($156 for PMG 64 in 2016, $27.83 for EF in 2025) further supports widespread availability.

This 1941 note was issued during World War II when Algeria remained under French colonial administration. The allegorical imagery on the reverse—featuring a prickly pear cactus and palm tree alongside classical nymphs—celebrates Algeria's desert landscape and colonial prosperity narrative. The bilingual French-Arabic inscriptions reflect the dual administrative and indigenous character of French North Africa during this period.

The obverse features a formal portrait of a veiled Algerian woman in profile, positioned within an ornamental octagonal frame on the right side, representing the indigenous feminine ideal of the colonial period. Two large blank oval medallions on the left likely contained watermarks or additional security portraits. The denomination '20' appears prominently in the center within decorative geometric framing. The reverse presents an allegorical composition with two classical female figures (nymphs or cherubs) in neoclassical style flanking a central diamond-framed medallion containing '20'. The figures are positioned beside emblematic North African flora: a prickly pear cactus on the left and a date palm on the right, symbolizing Algeria's agricultural and natural wealth. The entire design employs fine engraved line work with complex geometric borders incorporating Islamic-inspired patterns and floral motifs, demonstrating the hybrid aesthetic of French colonial design applied to Algerian currency.

Front: 'BANQUE DE L'ALGÉRIE' (Bank of Algeria), 'VINGT FRANCS' (Twenty Francs), 'PAYABLES AU PORTEUR ET A VUE' (Payable to Bearer and At Sight), 'عشرين درهم' (Twenty Francs in Arabic), Date: '29-12-1941' (29 December 1941), Serial number: '90264331', Signature lines: 'Le Caissier Principal' (The Principal Cashier), 'Le Secrétaire Général' (The General Secretary), References: 'P.3641' and 'D 3641', Counter: '334', Legal notice: 'ART. 133 - LE CODE PÉNAL PUNIT DES TRAVAUX FORCÉS A PERPÉTUITÉ LE CONTREFACTEUR' (Article 133 - The Penal Code punishes counterfeiting with forced labor in perpetuity). Back: 'بنك الجزائر الفرنسي' (French Bank of Algeria in Arabic), '20' (denomination numeral).

Intaglio engraving (steel plate engraving) with letterpress for inscriptions. The complex allegorical figures, fine-line geometric borders, and detailed security patterns show characteristic engraved line work. The note exhibits multiple color printing (purple on blue underprint noted in references), typical of French colonial banknote production during this era. The printer is consistent with Banque de l'Algérie's standard production techniques of the 1940s, likely produced under French security printing standards.

This note is cataloged as P-78c by Pick. The PMG population report indicates three cataloged variants: P-78b, P-78c, and P-78s (specimen). The P-78c designation likely reflects a specific issue period or signature variant within the 1933-1942 issuance span. The observed specimen features four signatures (Le Caissier Principal and Le Secrétaire Général, with two additional signature blocks), reference numbers P.3641 and D.3641, and counter marking '334'. The date of 29 December 1941 places this in the late wartime circulation period. Variety distinction among P-78a/b/c variants typically reflects changes in signatures, dates, or watermark details during the long issuing period.