100 francs 1977

Common. This note was issued over a 16-year period (1977-1993) by Burundi's central bank as a regular circulation denomination, indicating a substantial print run. eBay market data confirms common status: recent sales show UNC examples selling for $7.50-$10.50, with occasional lower prices around $0.99 (likely bulk lots), and graded examples (PMG 66-67) reaching only $17-$23. The 2019 catalog value of $3.50 for UNC further supports common classification. No evidence of rarity from print run limitations, recall status, or short-lived issuing authority exists.

Issued in 1977 by the Banque de la République du Burundi during the post-independence period, this note commemorates Prince Rwagasore, a pivotal figure in Burundi's independence movement, whose portrait anchors the obverse design. The reverse features Burundi's national coat of arms beneath the national motto 'Ubumwe Ibikorwa Amajambere' (Unity Work Progress) in Kirundi, reflecting the young nation's aspirations during this era of state consolidation. The deliberate bilingual presentation in French and Kirundi emphasizes national unity and the country's post-colonial identity.

The obverse features a formal three-quarter portrait of Prince Louis Rwagasore, Burundi's independence hero and first Prime Minister, positioned on the right side in business attire (suit and white shirt with tie). Behind the portrait is a stylized architectural background depicting modern institutional buildings of Bujumbura, symbolizing national progress and modernization. The design employs a purple and multicolor palette with beige and orange-brown accents, bordered by geometric diamond and triangle patterns. The reverse is dominated by Burundi's national coat of arms—a shield with a stylized rising sun or bird symbol at the apex, flanked by ornamental wreaths and decorative circular medallion elements in blue and orange. Denomination numerals '100' appear in all four corners, and intricate guilloche patterns and fine line engraving provide security and aesthetic refinement throughout.

FRONT SIDE: 'Banque de la République du Burundi' (Bank of the Republic of Burundi) / 'Ibanki ya Republika y'Uburundi' (Kirundi equivalent); 'Ubumwe Ibikorwa Amajambere' (Unity Work Progress); 'Cent Francs' (One Hundred Francs) / 'Amafranga Ijana' (Kirundi equivalent); '1.7 1977' (Issue date: July 1, 1977); Signature titles 'L'Administrateur' (The Administrator) and 'Le Gouverneur' (The Governor); Serial number 'AW256279'. BACK SIDE: 'Banque de la République du Burundi' / 'Ibanki ya Republika y'Uburundi'; 'Ubumwe Ibikorwa Amajambere' (Unity Work Progress) / 'Unite Travail Progres' (French equivalent); Anti-counterfeiting warning: 'Le Contrefacteur est puni de Servitude Penale / Uwuzokwigana iyi Noti azofungwa' (Counterfeiting is punished by penal servitude / Counterfeiting this note will result in imprisonment).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), evidenced by the fine detail work, complex guilloche background patterns, and the crisp, multi-layered security design elements visible throughout both sides. The precision of the portrait work and the consistency of the line work suggest this note was produced by a specialized security printer, likely Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) or Bureau de Gravure (BdG), both common contractors for African central banks during this period. The security features include repeated serial numbers, fine engraving patterns, and watermark provisions.

This note is Pick-29a, representing the 1977-1993 issuance period. The specific variety is identifiable by: (1) Issue date of 1.7.1977 (July 1, 1977); (2) Signature titles 'L'Administrateur' and 'Le Gouverneur' as printed text (not hand-signed on this series); (3) Purple predominant color scheme with multicolor underprint; (4) Serial number format AW followed by six digits (AW256279 in this specimen). No overprints are visible. This represents the standard primary variety for the Pick-29a designation during the initial 1977 issue date.