100 francs 1955

Common. While eBay market data shows VF examples selling in the $200-225 range (2016 catalog value), the historical transaction data indicates regular circulation of this note type with examples in lower grades (F and VG) selling for significantly less ($24-89). The Pick-48 denomination as a 1000 Francs regular issue from a major colonial issuer with an established circulation period indicates substantial print runs. The note's appearance in multiple condition grades on secondary markets over a decade-long period confirms common availability for collectors.

This banknote was issued during the final years of French West Africa as a unified colonial monetary zone, just as the political winds of decolonization were beginning to shift the region's future. The imagery—featuring dignified African portraits alongside lush tropical botanical elements—reflects the French colonial administration's approach to monetary design in its African territories, balancing the assertion of metropolitan authority with acknowledgment of the region's indigenous peoples and natural resources. The inclusion of Togo in the issuer's name indicates the note's circulation across multiple French West African territories before their independence in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

The obverse features a formal portrait of an African man positioned on the left, depicted with traditional beaded necklaces and ornamental bracelets, rendered with neutral forward-facing expression characteristic of currency portraiture. The right side of the obverse displays elaborate decorative botanical elements with flowering plants and vine motifs in green, pink, and blue. The reverse showcases a central portrait of an African woman wearing a distinctive tall conical hat and draped veil fabric, surrounded by extensive palm frond designs and tropical botanical borders. The background landscape suggests West African wetland or riverine vegetation with palm trees, connecting the portraiture to the natural environment of the issuing region. Throughout both sides, cream and beige tones form the primary background with multi-colored ornamental border patterns, and the overall composition reflects the Belle Époque engraving style favored for French colonial currency.

FRONT: '1000' and 'MILLE FRANCS' (One Thousand Francs); 'INSTITUT D'EMISSION DE L'AFRIQUE OCCIDENTALE FRANÇAISE ET DU TOGO' (Institute of Issue of French West Africa and Togo); Date: '5-10-1955' (October 5, 1955); 'LE PRÉSIDENT' (The President); 'LE DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL' (The General Director); 'SEB. SAURENT FEC.' (Engraved by Saurent); Serial number components: '01109064' and 'O.444'. BACK: '1000' and institutional name repeated: 'INSTITUT D'EMISSION DE L'AFRIQUE OCCIDENTALE FRANÇAISE ET DU TOGO' (Institute of Issue of French West Africa and Togo).

Multi-color intaglio printing on banknote paper, characteristic of French currency production in the mid-20th century. The intricate engraved line work visible throughout both sides, particularly in the botanical details and portraiture, is consistent with the steel-plate engraving methods employed by the Banque de France's security printers for colonial note production. The fine detail work and color registration demonstrate the high technical standards of French banknote manufacture of the 1950s.

This specific example bears serial number '01109064' with prefix 'O.444', identifying it within a particular printing series. The note is dated 5-10-1955 (October 5, 1955), the official issue date. The artist credit 'SEB. SAURENT FEC.' indicates the engraver responsible for this design. The PMG population report indicates variants exist for the base P-48 Pick number (including a specimen variety marked P-48s), though this appears to be a standard circulated issue rather than a specimen or special variety. The specific serial number prefix and exact date may help identify this note's position within the production sequence, but no major overprints or notable typographical variants are evident in the visual analysis.