500 francs 1978
Market Prices
33 salesAbout This Note
This uncirculated 500 Francs banknote from Gabon (1978) represents an excellent example of BEAC currency featuring vibrant multicolored design in red/pink, cream, and brown tones. The obverse depicts a woman in traditional dress with agricultural imagery, while the reverse showcases African carved masks and craftwork scenes, all executed in fine lithographic detail. The note exhibits pristine condition with no visible wear, creases, or damage, making it a desirable specimen for collectors of Central African currency.
Common. Secondary market data from realbanknotes.com shows consistent circulation of this note in UNC and graded conditions, with numerous sales spanning 2009-2025. UNC specimens regularly sell for $20-43, and PMG-graded examples typically achieve $30-112 depending on grade. The note is frequently encountered in the collector market, indicating healthy print runs and availability.
This banknote was issued by the Banque des États de l'Afrique Centrale (BEAC) during Gabon's period as a member of the Central African monetary union, specifically dated 1 April 1978. The obverse imagery celebrating agricultural labor and the reverse featuring traditional African craftsmanship and carved masks reflect the post-independence Gabonese emphasis on cultural heritage and economic development based on natural resources, particularly logging and agriculture.
The obverse features a portrait of a Gabonese woman in profile wearing an ornate traditional headwrap (scarf) with decorative patterns, positioned on the left side. The central composition depicts agricultural labor including farm workers, farming tools, and maize plants representing Gabon's agricultural sector. The reverse showcases traditional African cultural elements including a carved wooden mask with geometric patterns on the left and a scene of craftspeople or workers engaged in traditional activities on the right, possibly depicting laboratory or craftwork. Both sides feature repeating decorative border patterns including palm tree motifs and geometric designs. A prominent circular watermark occupies the center-right area of the obverse and center of the reverse.
Front side: '500' (denomination), 'REPUBLIQUE GABONAISE' (Gabonese Republic), 'CINQ CENTS FRANCS' (Five Hundred Francs), '1-04-78' (1 April 1978), 'LE GOUVERNEUR' (The Governor), 'UN CENSEUR' (A Censor), serial number '00900247'. Back side: '500' (denomination), 'BANQUE DES ETATS DE L'AFRIQUE CENTRALE' (Bank of the Central African States), 'LES AUTEURS OU COMPLICES DE FALSIFICATION OU DE CONTREFACON DE BILLETS DE BANQUE SERONT PUNIS CONFORMEMENT AUX LOIS ET ACTES EN VIGUEUR' (The authors or accomplices of counterfeiting or forging banknotes will be punished in accordance with the laws and acts in force).
Lithographed on multicolored underprint, as confirmed by the visual characteristics of layered color application and fine detail reproduction typical of lithographic currency production. The note displays sophisticated multicolor registration with red/pink, cream, brown, and blue-gray tones, consistent with BEAC-era security printing standards.
This specimen is Pick 2b, identified by the watermark type (Antelope's Head). The BEAC records indicate six cataloged variants of the 500 Francs Gabon base note (P-2a, P-2as, P-2b, P-2bs, P-2s, P-2sp), with differentiation primarily in watermark design and specimen designations. The observed date of 1 April 1978 and serial number 00900247 are consistent with regular-issue notes from this printing period.