100 francs 1973

common. The catalog value of $100 UNC from 2019 and eBay historical auction prices ranging from $2.53 to $89.88 (with most examples in circulated grades selling for under $25) indicate this is a common note with steady but modest collector demand. The 1973 date variant appears regularly on the secondary market, and the UNC condition, while desirable, does not command premium prices that would suggest scarcity. Print runs for this series were substantial across the 1968-1975 period, and this note has not been recalled or withdrawn from circulation, further supporting a common classification.

Issued during Burundi's early post-independence period (the series ran 1968-1975), this note commemorates Prince Rwagasore, a pivotal nationalist figure and first Prime Minister who was assassinated in 1961, just months before independence. The prominence of the Independence monument on the obverse and the national motto 'UNITE UBUMWE' (Unity/Togetherness) on the reverse reflect the nation's emphasis on unity and progress following the traumatic transition to independence. The bilingual French-Kirundi inscriptions underscore Burundi's multicultural identity during this formative nation-building period.

The obverse features Prince Louis Rwagasore, Burundi's first Prime Minister and nationalist hero, depicted in formal business attire (dark suit, white shirt, and tie) in profile-facing view on the right side of the note. The left side displays the Independence Monument (Bujumbura), a modernist multi-story structure with a repetitive window pattern, symbolizing national achievement and progress. The design employs ornate geometric triangular border patterns on both left and right edges, creating a formal, authoritative appearance. The reverse features the national motto 'UNITE UBUMWE' prominently centered, with elaborate scrollwork borders framing oval medallions containing the nation's principles of Work and Progress. The color scheme of browns, beiges, pinks, and grays with green accents creates a sophisticated, unified aesthetic. The dual-language approach (French and Kirundi) throughout reflects the nation's bicultural character.

FRONT SIDE: 'BANQUE DE LA REPUBLIQUE DU BURUNDI' / 'IBANKI YA REPUBLIKA Y'UBURUNDI' (Bank of the Republic of Burundi); 'CENT FRANCS' / 'AMAFRANGA IJANA' (One Hundred Francs); '1.7.1973' (Issue date: July 1, 1973); 'ADMINISTRATEUR' and 'LE PRESIDENT' (Administrator and President - signature titles); 'V 544401' (Serial number). BACK SIDE: 'UNITE UBUMWE' (Unity/Togetherness); 'TRAVAIL IBIKORWA' (Work/Labor); 'PROGRES AMAJAMBERE' (Progress); 'BANQUE DE LA REPUBLIQUE DU BURUNDI' / 'IBANKI YA REPUBLIKA Y'UBURUNDI' (Bank of the Republic of Burundi); 'LE CONTREFACTEUR EST PUNI DE SERVITUDE PENALE' (The counterfeiter is punished with penal servitude); 'UWUZORWIGANA IYI NOTI AZOFUNGWA' (Whoever counterfeits this note will be imprisoned).

The note was produced using intaglio engraving and multi-color offset printing, evidenced by the sharp fine-line engraving patterns visible throughout both sides, excellent color registration, and the layered color composition (brown on pale orange, lilac, and blue underprints as noted in catalog sources). The intricate geometric patterns, ornamental borders, and portrait work are characteristic of professional security printing from this era. The watermark area with building pattern visible on the obverse indicates sophisticated security features. This note was likely printed by an international security printer specializing in banknote production for African central banks, though the specific printer is not attributed in available catalog data.

This note is the 1.7.1973 date variety of the P-23b type. Catalog sources indicate signature variety exists within this series, with signature titles 'ADMINISTRATEUR' and 'LE PRESIDENT' appearing on this example. The catalog range spans multiple issue dates (1970, 1.8.1971, 1.7.1973, 1.6.1975), with the 1973 date representing an intermediate issue. The serial number prefix 'V' and the specific numbering (V 544401) may indicate a production batch or series identifier, though detailed serial number variety cataloging for this note type is not comprehensively documented in available references. No overprints or unusual varieties are evident in this UNC specimen.