100 francs 1962

Common. eBay market data shows consistent circulation at modest prices, with Fair-condition specimens selling between $0.99 and $10.00, and even premium grades (VF, EF) typically realizing under $35 except for professionally graded examples (PMG 66-67 reaching $60-$150). The note's 1961-1964 issue period and presumably substantial print run for a country's primary circulation currency indicate wide distribution. Fair condition specimens are particularly common in the secondary market.

Issued between 1961-1964 by the newly established Banque Nationale du Congo, this note commemorates the Democratic Republic of Congo's independence from Belgium (June 1960) and the presidency of Joseph Kasavubu during the early turbulent years of the nation. The crowned cranes and architectural imagery celebrate Congo's natural heritage and institutional development, while the military uniform worn by Kasavubu reflects the security concerns and military leadership prominent during this period of post-colonial consolidation and the concurrent Congo Crisis.

The obverse features a three-quarter portrait of President Joseph Kasavubu positioned at left, depicted wearing eyeglasses and a military dress uniform with starred collar insignia, symbolizing his role as head of state and commander-in-chief. The right side depicts two crowned cranes in a naturalistic landscape setting with palm trees and a bridge or architectural structure in the background, representing Congo's fauna and infrastructure development. The reverse displays a large ornamental oval frame containing the denomination '100', flanked by decorative semi-circular blue elements, with a prominent multi-story institutional building below—identified as the National Assembly building in Kinshasa—featuring classical columns and a central dome. The note employs intricate guilloché patterns and fine-line engraving throughout both sides, creating a sophisticated security design typical of Thomas de la Rue's premium banknote work.

Front: 'BANQUE NATIONALE du CONGO' (National Bank of Congo), '100 CENT FRANCS' (One Hundred Francs), 'LE GOUVERNEUR' (The Governor), serial number 'YA 943055', and date '1/3/68' (1st of March 1968). Back: 'BANQUE NATIONALE DU CONGO' (National Bank of Congo), denomination '100', and printer's mark 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED'.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited, London. The note demonstrates the hallmark characteristics of high-security intaglio printing: fine-line guilloché patterns, intricate geometric designs, and multi-colored underprinting visible throughout both sides. The security features include watermark areas and layered security printing evident in the background designs, reflecting the advanced anti-counterfeiting standards of this era's banknote production.

This note is catalogued as Pick P-6, with PMG recognizing two variants: P-6a and P-6s (likely representing standard and specimen varieties). The observed specimen bears the serial number prefix 'YA' and a date signature of '1/3/68' (1st March 1968), indicating it derives from the later portion of the 1961-1964 issue window. The specific signature configuration and date should be cross-referenced against detailed Pick/Grab or specialized Congo banknote catalogs to determine exact variety classification within the P-6 designation.