100 francs 1970
About This Note
This is a stunning example of the New Hebrides 100 Francs note from 1970 (Pick P-18c), graded UNC and representing the second signature variety of this series. The note features exquisite ornamental borders with geometric patterns in warm brown and gold tones, framing portraits of local women adorned with traditional flower crowns. The front displays a woman against a seascape backdrop with sailing vessels, while the reverse showcases a woman with a mountainous landscape and settlement in the background—both images capturing the cultural richness and natural beauty of the New Hebrides during this period.
Common. The New Hebrides 100 Francs 1970 series (Pick 18 variants) was produced in standard quantities as circulating currency for a territory with a population of approximately 100,000 in 1970. Multiple signature varieties (P-18a through P-18d) exist, indicating substantial print runs across the series. The P-18c variety, while documented by PMG, does not appear to have exceptional scarcity characteristics. Notes from this issue appear regularly in the numismatic market, and UNC examples are available without commanding premium prices typical of rare colonial currency.
Issued by the Institut d'Emission d'Outre-Mer during the final years of the New Hebrides' colonial administration (independence followed in 1980), this note reflects the French colonial influence in the Pacific islands through its French-language inscriptions and artistic design elements. The imagery—featuring indigenous women, tropical maritime scenes, and mountainous terrain—celebrates the distinctive culture and landscape of the New Hebrides archipelago. This particular note was produced during a transitional period in the territory's political status, making it a valuable historical artifact of Franco-British condominium-era Pacific currency.
The 100 Francs P-18c features a sophisticated two-portrait design celebrating New Hebriden culture. The obverse presents a woman wearing a traditional flower crown holding a decorative item, positioned against a maritime background featuring sailing vessels and coastal seascape—likely representing the islands' seafaring heritage. An ornamental totem or mask design in brown tones adorns the upper left, suggesting indigenous artistic traditions. The reverse displays another woman with a flower adornment, set against a mountainous landscape with a valley settlement or town visible below, representing the islands' interior terrain and settlements. Both sides are framed by ornamental borders featuring geometric patterns and decorative lattice work in brown and gold, with the denomination prominently displayed in the upper corners. A large circular watermark area is visible on both sides, integrating security features into the aesthetic design.
FRONT SIDE: 'INSTITUT D'ÉMISSION D'OUTRE-MER' (Overseas Issuing Institute); 'Nouvelles-Hébrides' (New Hebrides); '100' and 'CENT FRANCS' (One Hundred Francs); 'LE DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL' (The General Director); 'LE PRÉSIDENT DU CONSEIL DE SURVEILLANCE' (The President of the Supervisory Board); Serial numbers '02138501' and '38501'; 'W.1' (designation marking). BACK SIDE: 'INSTITUT D'ÉMISSION D'OUTRE-MER' (Overseas Issuing Institute); 'Nouvelles-Hébrides' (New Hebrides); '100' (denomination); 'ARTICLE 189 DU CODE PÉNAL PUNIT DE LA RÉCLUSION CRIMINELLE À PERPÉTUITÉ CEUX QUI AURAIENT CONTREFAIT OU FALSIFIÉ LES BILLETS DE BANQUE AUTORISÉS PAR LA LOI' (Article 189 of the Penal Code punishes with perpetual criminal imprisonment those who have counterfeited or falsified banknotes authorized by law).
The note exhibits characteristics of fine line engraving combined with lithographic elements, evident from the detailed decorative border patterns, the ornamental designs, and the fine detail work throughout. The P-18c variety represents the second signature variant; according to PMG population data, earlier variants (P-18a and P-18b) differentiate between engraved and lithographed production methods. The 'W.1' designation marking suggests a specific printing run or security printer identification. The Institut d'Emission d'Outre-Mer employed European security printers for Pacific colonial currency during this period, likely utilizing techniques from the Banque de France's printing partnerships.
This note is identified as Pick P-18c, representing the second signature variety (Signature #2) of the 1970 New Hebrides 100 Francs series. The PMG population report identifies five variants for this base Pick number: P-18a (Engraved, Signature #1), P-18b (Lithographed, Signature #1), P-18c (Signature #2), P-18d (Signature #3), and P-18s (specimen/special notes). The specific variant designation is determined by the signature combinations of the General Director (Le Directeur Général) and the President of the Supervisory Board (Le Président du Conseil de Surveillance) visible on the note. Collectors should note the serial number (02138501) and the W.1 designation marking as potential indicators of specific printing batches or security features.
