5 francs 1941

Common. This note remains widely available in the secondary market, as evidenced by the extensive eBay price history provided. Sales records span from 2009 to 2026 with consistent availability across all condition grades (VG through PMG 66). EF examples have sold in the $9–$21.50 range historically, with more recent EF sales around $11–$15.50, consistent with a common, well-circulated issue. The denomination (5 Francs) and lengthy issuance period (1924–1941 range cited) indicate substantial print runs. No evidence of rarity or scarcity for this Pick number variant exists in the sales data or catalog values.

Issued during World War II, this 5 Francs note represents the Banque de l'Algérie's currency circulating under Vichy French administration. The iconography—featuring an Algerian woman with traditional white head covering on the obverse and a veiled allegorical figure of abundance with Mediterranean harbor fortifications on the reverse—reflects both the colonial French artistic tradition and North African cultural imagery. The Arabic inscription present on the reverse (Basmala and Alhamdulillah) demonstrates the cultural accommodation required by the issuing authority in colonial Algeria.

The obverse features a portrait of an Algerian woman wearing traditional white head covering (likely a haik or traditional veil) shown in three-quarter profile facing right, positioned prominently on the right side of the note. The left side contains an ornate oval cartouche rendered in decorative framing. The reverse depicts a seated allegorical female figure (Prosperity or Abundance) wearing flowing white garments and a veil, holding a cornucopia overflowing with fruits and vegetables. Behind this figure stands a detailed harbor landscape featuring a lighthouse with fortified structures, Mediterranean coastal architecture, sailing vessels, and waterfront fortifications—likely representing Algiers or another major Algerian port city. Both sides employ intricate Islamic geometric border patterns in blues and reds, reflecting the artistic sensibilities appropriate to an Algerian audience. The color palette throughout emphasizes cream/beige fields with bold blue and red accents in the decorative elements.

FRONT: 'BANQUE DE L'ALGERIE' (Bank of Algeria), 'CINQ FRANCS' (Five Francs), 'A.25-4-1941.A.' (Date: April 25, 1941), 'LE SECRETAIRE GENERAL' (The General Secretary), 'LE CAISSIER PRINCIPAL' (The Principal Cashier), 'L'ARTICLE 159 DU CODE PENAL PUNIT DES TRAVAUX-FORCES A PERPETUITE LE CONTREFACTEUR' (Article 159 of the Penal Code punishes the counterfeiter with perpetual hard labor), Serial numbers: '373' and 'Z.5191', Signature initials 'P.S.R.'. BACK: 'BANQUE DE L'ALGERIE' (Bank of Algeria), Denomination '5', Artist signature 'RITA SC.', Arabic inscription 'بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم والحمد لله رب العالمين' (In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate; and praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds).

Intaglio engraving (copperplate), evidenced by the crisp line work, fine detail in portraiture, the complex geometric patterning, and the three-dimensional quality visible in the landscape rendering on the reverse. The note exhibits the characteristic clarity and precision associated with high-security banknote production of the 1930s-1940s era. The artist signature 'RITA SC.' (likely Rita Schiff or similar engraver) appears on the reverse, confirming individual engraved artistry. This production would have been executed by the Banque de l'Algérie's established security printing facilities in Paris or by contracted European security printers serving French colonial currency production.

This example is Pick P-77b, identified by the watermark type (Woman's Head). The PMG population data indicates two catalogued variants for this base Pick number: P-77a and P-77b, both sharing the Woman's Head watermark designation. This specific note is dated 25.04.1941 with serial number prefix 'Z' and number '5191', accompanied by signature initials 'P.S.R.' The serial number format and signature combination may identify it as belonging to a specific printing or signature variety, though without comprehensive variety attribution data for this issue, the precise variant assignment within P-77b cannot be determined from the visual evidence alone. The absence of serial numbers previously noted in some references contradicts the visible series numbers on this specimen, confirming this as a regularly-serialized issue variant.