100 francs 1941

Common. The eBay price tracking data from realbanknotes.com demonstrates consistent market activity across a wide range of condition grades from 2009 to 2026, with regularly sold examples at modest prices: VF examples typically sell for $3-$15, and even high-grade examples (PMG 66-67) show a broad price range from $55 to $137.50, suggesting adequate supply at all condition levels. The 1939-1942 issue period was substantial, and the note was not recalled or subject to special conditions that would restrict circulation. As the Pick 94 designation and common collector nickname 'Sully' confirm, this is a standard, well-known issue in French numismatics. The PMG 67 EPQ grade, while desirable and in the upper range of typical finds, does not command exceptional rarity premiums compared to lower grades, supporting a common classification.

Issued during the tumultuous years of 1939-1942 under the Vichy regime, this note represents French monetary policy during Nazi occupation, when the Banque de France maintained its institutional autonomy despite political upheaval. The allegorical female figure (representing France or Liberty) and the historical figure of the Duc de Sully—a key administrator under Henry IV who promoted agricultural prosperity and economic stability—reflect the Vichy government's emphasis on national heritage and agrarian ideals. The pastoral agricultural imagery on the reverse, showing the Loire Valley with its castle and farming scenes, reinforced these themes of rural France and stability during a period of profound national crisis.

The obverse features an allegorical representation of France as a classical female figure in left profile, crowned with a laurel wreath signifying victory and prosperity, dressed in a white classical garment. To the right, a cherub or putto (characteristic of Renaissance and classical artistic tradition) holds grape vines and foliage, symbolizing abundance, agriculture, and fertility—themes central to Vichy-era propaganda emphasizing France's agricultural wealth. The background is filled with a detailed architectural cityscape engraving representing Paris, with fine line work creating depth and establishing the urban context. The reverse depicts Maximilien de Béthune, 1st Duc de Sully (1559-1641), Henry IV's trusted minister, shown as a bearded Renaissance gentleman in period costume with an elaborate white ruffled collar, facing right in profile. Behind him unfolds an extensive pastoral landscape of the Loire Valley: rolling hills with mountains, the prominent hilltop castle of Sully-sur-Loire, active farming operations with shepherds tending livestock, agricultural fields under cultivation, and rural settlements. This composition emphasizes Sully's historical role in promoting agricultural reform and economic stability. The large circular watermark window on the obverse left adds a security feature while maintaining design integrity.

FRONT SIDE: 'Banque de France' (Bank of France); '100' and 'Cent Francs' (One Hundred Francs) - denomination markings; 'B.17738' and '261' (Serial number components); 'AB.9-1-1941.AB.' (Date marking, 9 January 1941); '44342826 1' (Additional identification number); 'Le Caissier Général' (The General Cashier); 'Le Secrétaire Général' (The General Secretary). BACK SIDE: '100' and 'Banque de France' (Denomination and issuer); 'Art. 139 du Code Pénal punit des travaux forcés ceux qui auraient contrefait ou falsifié les billets de banques autorisés par la loi, ainsi que ceux qui en auraient fait usage de ces billets contrefaits' (Article 139 of the Penal Code punishes by hard labor those who would counterfeit or falsify banknotes authorized by law, as well as those who would make use of such counterfeit notes); Artist/engraver attribution partially visible regarding the design work.

Intaglio engraving (also known as line engraving or copperplate printing), the traditional and most prestigious method for banknote production. The note exhibits the characteristic fine line work, detailed shading through closely-spaced parallel lines, and the subtle gradations of tone visible in both the portraits and landscape backgrounds—all hallmarks of intaglio technique. The crisp registration, fine detail in the architectural cityscape on the obverse, and the exceptional clarity of the Duc de Sully's facial features and Renaissance clothing indicate skilled engraving work. The Banque de France contracted with premier security printers for this series; the technical excellence suggests production by one of France's leading banknote engravers of the period. The color application—cream/beige base with brown and red security elements—was applied through traditional multicolor intaglio printing methods.

This example is dated 1941 (specifically 9 January 1941 based on the 'AB.9-1-1941.AB.' marking), placing it within the broader 1939-1942 Vichy-period issuance. The serial number configuration 'B.17738' with suffix '261' represents one of many serial number ranges used during production. For this Pick number, known varieties relate primarily to signature combinations (different Caissier Général and Secrétaire Général combinations appear across the 1939-1942 period), date ranges, and serial number prefixes (different letter prefixes indicating production batches). The standard watermark depicted is the Mercury & Ceres design characteristic of the series. No evidence of overprints, special markings, or unusual security features distinguishing this as a rare variety is apparent; it represents a standard circulation example of the type.