100 francs 1954
Market Prices
38 salesAbout This Note
This is a beautifully preserved 100 Francs note from 1954, graded AU, representing the classic French currency design of the post-war period. The note displays the iconic three classical male busts on the obverse and an elaborate allegorical maritime scene on the reverse, both rendered in fine engraving with vibrant red, brown, and cream tones. The sharp detail preservation and minimal wear suggest this note has been carefully stored since issuance, making it an attractive example for collectors of mid-20th century French currency.
Common. The eBay market data provided shows consistent sales activity across many condition grades from 2009 to 2025, with prices ranging from under $1 for lower grades to approximately $100-$130 for PMG graded specimens in exceptional condition (66-67). The AU grade observed here aligns with historical auction prices of $40-$73 for similar examples. The large print run and continued availability in the market indicate this is a readily obtainable note for collectors, not a rarity.
Issued in 1954 by the Banque de France during the Fourth Republic, this denomination reflects France's post-World War II economic recovery and modernization. The reverse's maritime and commercial allegorical scene—featuring a sailing ship, harbor fortifications, and classical figures symbolizing trade and prosperity—underscores the nation's renewed focus on commerce and international trade during this period of economic reconstruction.
The obverse features three classical male portrait busts with curled hair and refined engraving, likely representing allegories of French virtues or historical figures, arranged horizontally across the note's center. Above them is a classical architectural scene. The reverse presents an elaborate allegorical composition depicting maritime commerce: a central standing figure in purple drapery, multiple cherub/putti figures, a reclining figure, and in the background a sailing ship and classical harbor fortifications—all symbolizing France's commercial prosperity and trade heritage. Both sides employ ornamental geometric border patterns and fine-line engraving to create complex visual security elements. The warm color palette of red, brown, purple-blue, cream, and gold tones creates visual harmony across both sides.
FRONT SIDE: '100' (large numerals, corners), 'BANQUE DE FRANCE' (Bank of France), 'LE CAISSIER GENERAL' (The General Cashier), 'LE SECRETAIRE GENERAL' (The General Secretary), '100 FRANCS' (denomination), 'G.1-4-1954.G.' (date: 1 April 1954), Serial numbers 'B.598' and '149265892'. REVERSE SIDE: '100' (large numerals, corners), 'BANQUE DE FRANCE' (Bank of France, semi-transparent overlay), '100 FRANCS' (denomination), 'LE CONTREFACTEUR SERA PUNI DES TRAVAUX FORCES A PERPETUITE' (The counterfeiter will be punished with forced labor in perpetuity—legal warning).
This note was produced using intaglio engraving (recess printing), the standard security printing method for French banknotes of this era. The Banque de France contracted with Imprimerie Nationale for production. The fine line work, complex allegorical compositions, multiple tonal variations, intricate borders, and sharp portrait details—all clearly visible in the visual analysis—are characteristic of high-quality intaglio printing, which remained France's primary anti-counterfeiting measure for currency of this period.
This note is cataloged as Pick 128d, representing the 1954 issue date variant (the pick reference encompasses 1951-1954 dating). The date 'G.1-4-1954.G.' (1 April 1954) visible on the obverse confirms this specific emission. The serial number prefix 'B.598' represents one of many printer batches issued during this period. No significant overprints or scarcity indicators are present in the visual analysis.
