100 francs 1963

Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales across multiple condition grades from 2009 to 2024, with PMG 67 examples selling in the $130-$135 range and lower grades (VF, F, UNC without grading) selling for $12-$20. The catalog value for UNC is listed at $40 (as of 2019). The consistent availability and steady trading activity indicate this is a widely available note in the collector market, not a scarce or rare variety.

Issued in 1963 by the Grand-Duché de Luxembourg under the authority of the Minister of Finance, this note represents the height of Luxembourg's mid-century economic development and modernization. The reverse design celebrates the Vianden pumped storage hydropower plant (operated by the Société Électrique de l'Our), a symbol of Luxembourg's commitment to modern infrastructure and renewable energy technology during the post-World War II recovery and growth period. The continued portrayal of Grand Duchess Charlotte on the obverse reflects her significant role as the reigning Grand Duchess of Luxembourg during this prosperous era.

The obverse features a dignified three-quarter profile portrait of Grand Duchess Charlotte, positioned within an ornate oval frame with elaborate decorative borders. The background is filled with intricate geometric guilloche patterns and rosette designs in a multicolored underprint dominated by mauve, burgundy, and pink hues, providing sophisticated security features through fine line work. The denomination is prominently displayed in the center and corners in French as 'CENT FRANCS.' The reverse depicts the Vianden hydroelectric dam facility with its characteristic curved architectural structure set against a mountainous landscape with a high-voltage transmission tower, all rendered in fine engraved detail with monochromatic pink and mauve coloring. Both sides feature ornamental borders with repeated guilloche patterns and fine-line security elements throughout.

OBVERSE: 'GRAND-DUCHE DE LUXEMBOURG' (Grand Duchy of Luxembourg) | '100 CENT FRANCS' (100 One Hundred Francs) | 'C 088509' (Serial number) | 'LA CAISSE GÉNÉRALE DE L'ÉTAT' (The General Treasury of the State) | 'MINISTRE DES FINANCES' (Minister of Finance) | 'CENT FRANCS CENT FRANCS CENT FRANCS' (repeated in border design). REVERSE: '100 GRAND-DUCHE DE LUXEMBOURG 100' (100 Grand Duchy of Luxembourg 100) | '100' (appears in all four corners).

Intaglio engraving (also known as steel engraving) was used for the primary design elements, evident from the fine line work, sharp portraiture, and detailed landscape rendering visible in the visual analysis. The multicolored underprint on the obverse indicates the use of offset lithography or similar techniques for the background security patterns and color work. The printer for this series (P-52) is listed as BWC (Bradbury Wilkinson and Company), a renowned British security printer known for high-quality banknote production.

This note is cataloged as P-52a (100 Francs), which is the primary variety for the 100 Franc denomination from this 1963 issue. The PMG population report indicates there are three varieties for the 100 Franc denomination: P-52a, P-52cts, and P-52s. The serial number observed (C 088509) suggests this is a standard issue note without significant overprints or special markings. The 'C' prefix is consistent with standard circulation series for this denomination and period.