100 francs 1942

Common. This note is a regular issue with substantial print runs for the period, as evidenced by the extensive eBay sales history spanning from 2010 to 2025. Fair condition examples consistently sell for $9-$21, with typical realizations in the $12-$16 range. The catalog value for Fair condition is estimated at approximately $15-$20 based on 2016 data. The circulation of numerous examples in various grades and the regular availability on secondary markets confirm this as a common date and denomination for the issuer.

Issued on 14 December 1942 during World War II, this banknote represents the colonial-era currency of French West Africa, a federation of French colonial territories. The prominent baobab tree on the obverse symbolizes the region's African identity and natural heritage, while the tropical landscape with palm trees and riverside structures on the reverse depicts the colonial vision of West African settlement and economic activity. This note was printed by the prestigious E.A. Wright Bank Note Company of Philadelphia, reflecting the widespread use of American security printers for colonial currency during this period.

The obverse features a striking composition centered on a large baobab tree, the iconic tree of the African savanna, with two native figures standing beneath it rendered in black ink on a pink/salmon underprint. The design incorporates ornate engraved borders with decorative floral patterns in the corners and scalloped frames containing the denomination '100' on both sides. The background employs a repeating text security pattern. The reverse depicts a colonial-era tropical landscape scene with palm trees, a river or waterway, and small buildings or structures typical of West African settlements, all framed by ornamental borders with scrollwork and geometric patterns. Large denomination numerals appear in ornate frames on both sides of the reverse as well. The dual imagery—the natural baobab representing Africa and the developed colonial landscape—encapsulates the era's colonial perspective on the territory.

OBVERSE: 'BANQUE DE L'AFRIQUE OCCIDENTALE' (Bank of West Africa); 'CENT FRANCS' (One Hundred Francs); 'LE SECRÉTAIRE GÉNÉRAL' (The General Secretary); 'LE CONTRÔLEUR GÉNÉRAL' (The General Controller); 'L'ARTICLE 13 DU CODE PÉNAL PUNIT DES TRAVAUX FORCÉS À PERPÉTUITÉ LE CONTREFACTEUR' (Article 13 of the Penal Code punishes counterfeiters with forced labor for life); 'E.A. WRIGHT BANK NOTE CO. PHILA.' (E.A. Wright Bank Note Company, Philadelphia); Serial number: 10381572; Prefix: G416. REVERSE: 'BANQUE DE L'AFRIQUE OCCIDENTALE' (Bank of West Africa); 'CENT FRANCS' (One Hundred Francs); '14 DÉCEMBRE 1942' (14 December 1942); 'E.A. WRIGHT BANK NOTE CO. PHILA.' (E.A. Wright Bank Note Company, Philadelphia).

This note was produced using traditional intaglio (engraved) printing techniques, as evidenced by the fine line patterns, detailed ornamental borders, and crisp definition of the central images. The E.A. Wright Bank Note Company of Philadelphia, one of the premier American security printers of the era, employed multiple color printing (black on pink for obverse; green on cream/off-white for reverse) with fine engraved security features including repeating text patterns and complex border designs characteristic of high-security banknote production of the 1940s.

Pick P-31a specifically denotes the 'With Serial Number' variant, as opposed to P-31s (without serial number). The observed specimen displays serial number 10381572 with prefix G416, confirming identification as P-31a. The visual analysis notes handwritten signatures present on the note, which may represent signature variety within this Pick number, though standard cataloging would require comparison with known signature varieties documented in specialized references.