500 francs 1958
Market Prices
7 salesAbout This Note
This 500 Francs note from Guinea's inaugural issue (October 2, 1958) represents an important piece of post-colonial African numismatic history. The VF-graded example displays crisp engraving with warm red and cream tones, featuring a dignified portrait on the obverse and an economically symbolic pineapple plantation scene on the reverse—both hallmarks of early Guinea currency design. The note shows light aging consistent with its 1958 origin but maintains excellent clarity in its fine-line security work and ornamental patterns.
Common. The eBay price tracking data shows consistent market activity with examples in Fine condition selling for $50-$82 (2013-2018), while VG examples sold for $9.20. The 2016 catalog valuation of $150 for VF reflects modest collector demand typical of common inaugural issues. No indication of limited print runs, recalls, or exceptional scarcity in numismatic literature. Regular circulation and survival rates support common classification.
This note was issued just days after Guinea's independence from France on October 2, 1958, marking the establishment of the Banque de la République de Guinée as the new nation's central bank under President Ahmed Sékou Touré. The pineapple field depicted on the reverse reflects Guinea's agricultural economy and natural resources, while the authoritative portrait on the front symbolizes the new republic's sovereignty and leadership during a transformative moment in West African decolonization.
The obverse features a left-facing portrait of President Ahmed Sékou Touré wearing traditional head wrap and formal attire, rendered in fine engraved red-brown linework against an ornamental cream background with geometric and floral patterns. The reverse depicts a detailed tropical landscape scene of a pineapple plantation with vegetation and trees, designed to showcase Guinea's agricultural wealth. Both sides feature the denomination prominently in corners and center, with ornamental border vignettes and elaborate cross-hatching demonstrating sophisticated intaglio craftsmanship. The color scheme emphasizes warm red and pink tones on cream paper, creating visual balance across the composition.
FRONT: 'Banque de la République de Guinée' (Bank of the Republic of Guinea), 'Cinq Cents Francs' (Five Hundred Francs), 'Le 2 Octobre 1958' (October 2, 1958), 'Ministre de l'Économie Générale' (Minister of General Economy), 'Ministre des Finances' (Minister of Finance), 'Tout contrefacteur sera puni par la loi en vigueur' (Any counterfeiter will be punished by law in force), Serial number '022865', Series designation 'D 40', and repeated security text 'Banque de la République de Guinée'. BACK: '500' and 'Cinq Cents Francs' (Five Hundred Francs) with ornamental inscription elements.
Intaglio engraving (line engraving) on cream-colored paper. The note exhibits fine-line security work, cross-hatching, stippling, and detailed portrait engraving characteristic of European security printers involved in early post-colonial African currency production. The repetitive security text and ornamental patterns reflect anti-counterfeiting measures typical of mid-20th century central bank standards.
This example represents the standard P-8 variety with Series designation 'D 40' and serial number beginning 022865. The PMG population report indicates one catalogued variant for this Pick number. No overprints, color variations, or signature varieties are apparent in this specimen. The October 2, 1958 date is consistent with the single known issue date for this denomination.
