100 francs 1944

Common. The eBay pricing data shows F-graded examples selling for $3.75 (2017) with modest auction activity, and catalogue values from 2016 placing F-grade specimens at approximately $2.50-$11 range depending on exact condition. The Allied Military Currency issues of 1944 were produced in substantial quantities to facilitate occupation and liberated territory commerce, resulting in regular availability in the collector market today. Print runs for these provisional issues were large relative to their brief circulation period, and they remain relatively affordable and readily obtainable.

Issued by the Allied Forces in 1944 during the liberation of France, this banknote represents a critical moment in World War II when provisional military currency was needed to facilitate commerce in newly liberated territories. The reverse displays the French revolutionary motto "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité," symbolizing the restoration of French republican values after Nazi occupation. The absence of "Émis en France" on this second-issue variant reflects the transitional status of French sovereignty during the immediate post-invasion period, before the reestablishment of regular French currency authority.

This banknote employs an all-ornamental design characteristic of Allied Military Currency, with no portraits or specific landmarks depicted. Instead, the design relies on symmetrical baroque-influenced scrollwork, floral corner ornaments, and geometric patterns to create visual interest and security. The front features a prominent central oval cartouche containing the denomination '100 FRANCS' within a rectangular decorative frame, flanked by 'FRANCE' text and surrounded by intricate guilloche patterns in turquoise and dark blue. The reverse presents a similar symmetrical composition with a central oval frame, emphasizing the French national motto in pink and blue tones. The ornamental language throughout—baroque flourishes, floral motifs, and geometric line work—reflects early-to-mid 20th century high-security currency design principles.

FRONT: '100' and 'CENT FRANCS' (One Hundred Francs) - denomination marking; 'FRANCE' (France) - country identification; 'SERIE DE 1944' (Series of 1944) - issuance date; '2520952' - serial number (repeated). BACK: 'FRANCE' (France); 'LIBERTE' (Liberty); 'EGALITE' (Equality); 'FRATERNITE' (Fraternity) - the three pillars of French republicanism.

Intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the fine geometric line patterns, complex guilloche backgrounds, and sharp detail clarity visible throughout both sides. The multi-color printing with distinct color layers (turquoise, dark blue, pink, cream) and the precise ornamental work are characteristic of security intaglio production. The PMG population report identifies Forbes as the printer for variant P-123c, suggesting this series was produced by established security printers; the crisp line work and sophisticated guilloche patterns confirm professional intaglio engraving techniques.

This note is identified as Pick P-123a, the first catalogued variety of the 100 Francs 1944 Allied Military Currency. The key identifier for this specific variety is the absence of 'Émis en France' text on the front, marking it as the 2nd Issue as noted in the external catalog reference. Related varieties include P-123c (Forbes printer), P-123d, and P-123e, indicating multiple printing runs and variants exist. The serial number format '2520952' with repeated serial placement on left and upper right is consistent with standard Allied Military Currency numbering practices of the period.