100 francs 1962

Common. eBay auction data shows consistent sales activity from 2011 through 2025 across multiple condition grades, with VF specimens routinely selling in the $5-$31 range (averaging around $8-$10), and even professionally graded examples (PMG 64-67) typically realizing $27-$150. These results indicate substantial collector availability and regular market circulation for this note. The print run during 1961-1964 was substantial enough to ensure ongoing availability in the collecting community.

Issued during the tumultuous early years of the Democratic Republic of Congo's independence (gained June 1960), this note depicts President Joseph Kasavubu, who served as head of state during the Congo Crisis and the transition to the Kasavubu-Mobutu regime. The inclusion of crowned cranes and the National Assembly building on the reverse symbolizes the nation's natural heritage and new democratic institutions, while the Banque Nationale du Congo represented the country's attempt to establish sovereign monetary authority during a period of considerable political instability.

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of President Joseph Kasavubu wearing military dress with collar insignia and rectangular eyeglasses, positioned on the left third of the note. Two crowned cranes (Balearica pavonina) are depicted on the right side standing in a wetland landscape with palm trees, distant water bodies, and what appears to be an institutional structure, representing Congo's natural wildlife heritage. The reverse displays a classical multi-columned institutional building (the National Assembly/Parliament building in Kinshasa) in symmetrical elevation view, framed by a large oval decorative cartouche containing the '100' denomination with radiating sunburst line patterns. Both sides incorporate fine ornamental borders and security mesh patterns throughout.

FRONT: 'Banque Nationale du Congo' (National Bank of Congo) / '100' and 'CENT FRANCS' (One Hundred Francs) / 'AA 261717' (Serial number) / 'LE GOUVERNEUR' (The Governor) / 'LE CONTREFACTEUR EST PUNI DE SERVITUDE PENALE' (The counterfeiter is punished with penal servitude). BACK: 'BANQUE NATIONALE' (National Bank) / 'DU CONGO' (of Congo) / '100' (denomination) / 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer credit).

Intaglio engraving (steel plate engraving) executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited of London, as credited on the reverse. The fine line patterns, intricate mesh backgrounds, detailed architectural rendering, and crisp portrait engraving are characteristic of high-quality intaglio work. Security features include fine crosshatch patterns, dual serial numbers (upper right and lower left), and complex border ornamentation designed to deter counterfeiting.

This example is catalogued as Pick P-6 (base variety). PMG records indicate variants P-6a and P-6s exist within this Pick number, likely representing different signature combinations or printing runs. The serial number 'AA 261717' with the 'AA' prefix appears to be a standard feature of this issue. The specific collector date notation '1.02.62' (February 1, 1962) likely references either the date acquired or a printing date variant; further research would be needed to confirm whether this represents a specific release date variant or merely a collector notation.