500 francs 1944

Common. This is a widely circulated Allied Military Currency issue from 1944 with substantial print runs. eBay market data shows VF examples selling in the $88-$99 range with moderate bidding activity, and catalog values from 2016 place VF examples at $205, well within the range of common collectible banknotes. The note was issued in significant quantities for operational currency during the liberation of France, ensuring ample survival numbers in the collector market today.

Issued by the Allied Forces in 1944 following the D-Day invasion and liberation of France, this note represents a critical moment in WWII when occupying military forces needed to establish stable currency in newly liberated territories. The inscription 'ÉMIS EN FRANCE' (Issued in France) and the prominent display of the French tricolor flag with 'LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ' underscore the symbolic importance of restoring French sovereignty and republican values after four years of Nazi occupation. This denomination served as practical currency for occupying troops and the French civilian population during the transitional period before the restoration of the regular Banque de France note series.

The obverse presents an elegant design dominated by a turquoise/cyan background covered with intricate wave-like and geometric line patterns serving as anti-counterfeiting measures. The central feature is the denomination '500' enclosed in an ornate rectangular frame, with 'CINQ CENTS FRANCS' inscribed on either side. Decorative floral and leaf motifs in darker brown/burgundy adorns all four corners in a baroque style. The reverse shifts to a predominantly blue and red/pink color scheme, featuring the French tricolor flag (blue, white, and red) depicted in a waving position within an oval decorative frame. Surrounding the flag are baroque-style ornamental flourishes and the tricolor of French republican values. Fine-line radial patterns and detailed engraving work throughout both sides provide sophisticated anti-counterfeiting protection characteristic of Forbes Lithograph's work.

FRONT: '500' (Five hundred), 'CINQ CENTS' (Five hundred), 'FRANCS' (Francs), 'ÉMIS EN FRANCE' (Issued in France), Serial number '05250813'. BACK: 'LIBERTÉ' (Liberty), 'ÉGALITÉ' (Equality), 'FRATERNITÉ' (Fraternity).

Lithography, executed by Forbes Lithograph Manufacturing Company of Boston, Massachusetts. The note displays the characteristic fine-line geometric patterns and color separations typical of high-quality lithographic printing from this period. The intricate wave patterns, radial line-work backgrounds, and baroque ornamental designs demonstrate the advanced lithographic capabilities employed to create security features and aesthetic appeal.

This note is identified as P-119 in the Pick catalog system. PMG has recorded two cataloged variants: P-119a (standard issue) and P-119s (specimen note). The observed example appears to be a standard circulation note (P-119a) based on the serial number present and absence of specimen markings. The catalog reference notes the existence of replacement notes marked with an 'X' near the serial number; this example's serial number '05250813' shows no such X prefix, confirming it as a standard issue rather than a replacement note.