20 nouveaux francs 1971
About This Note
This is a beautifully preserved UNC example of the 20 Nouveaux Francs on 1000 Francs overprint issued by the Institut d'Émission des Départements d'Outre-Mer for Réunion in 1971. The note features classical female portraits on the obverse alongside tropical floral imagery in vibrant greens and yellows, while the reverse depicts an evocative colonial-era scene with figures in a traditional boat navigating tropical waters. The exceptional condition, sharp printing, and vivid color palette make this an attractive example of French overseas departmental currency.
Common. This banknote was part of a standard circulation issue for Réunion during the 1967-1971 period, with the overprint representing a routine monetary adjustment for the overseas department. The P-55b variety is catalogued in multiple PMG population examples, indicating adequate surviving circulation. UNC examples are desirable but not scarce; these notes were printed in substantial quantities to facilitate commerce in Réunion during this transitional monetary period.
This banknote represents the transitional monetary period in French Réunion during the late 1960s-early 1970s, when 1000 franc notes were overprinted with 'CONTRE-VALEUR DE 20 NOUVEAUX FRANCS' to reflect the 1960 French franc redenomination (50 old francs = 1 new franc, though this represents a 1:50 ratio). The tropical imagery—palm trees, native watercraft, and landscape scenes—reflects Réunion's colonial heritage and economic focus on maritime trade and agriculture. The Institut d'Émission des Départements d'Outre-Mer maintained separate currency control over French overseas territories during this period.
The obverse features two classical female portraits positioned on the right side, rendered in a refined neoclassical style, flanked by decorative tropical botanical imagery on the left—featuring vanilla orchids and other exotic flora rendered in green and yellow tones that emphasize Réunion's agricultural identity. The reverse depicts a romantic colonial landscape scene with two figures paddling a traditional outrigger canoe or small boat across tropical waters, with palm trees, birds in flight, and shoreline vegetation creating a narrative of maritime activity. The color schemes—earthy greens, warm yellows and oranges on the obverse, and blues with tropical greens on the reverse—create visual harmony while the ornamental circular border patterns and repeated floral motifs provide both aesthetic appeal and security features. The note's artistic composition was executed by W. Fel (artist) and R. Armanelli (engraver), whose signatures appear on the reverse.
FRONT SIDE: 'DÉPARTEMENT DE LA RÉUNION' (Department of Reunion), 'RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE' (French Republic), 'INSTITUT D'ÉMISSION DES DÉPARTEMENTS D'OUTRE-MER' (Institute of Issuance of Overseas Departments), 'MILLE FRANCS' (One Thousand Francs), '1000' (denomination), 'CONTRE-VALEUR DE 20 NOUVEAUX FRANCS' (Equivalent value of 20 New Francs), 'LE DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL' (The General Director), 'LE PRÉSIDENT DU CONSEIL DE SURVEILLANCE' (The President of the Supervisory Board). BACK SIDE: 'DÉPARTEMENT DE LA RÉUNION' (Department of Reunion), 'RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE' (French Republic), 'INSTITUT D'ÉMISSION DES DÉPARTEMENTS D'OUTRE-MER' (Institute of Issuance of Overseas Departments), 'L'ARTICLE 139 DU CODE PÉNAL PUNIT DES TRAVAUX FORCÉS CEUX QUI AURAIENT CONTREFAIT OU FALSIFIÉ LES BILLETS DE BANQUES AUTORISÉS PAR LA LOI' (Article 139 of the Penal Code punishes with hard labor those who would have counterfeited or falsified banknotes authorized by law), 'W. FEL FEC.' (Artist signature), 'R. ARMANELLI SC.' (Engraver signature).
Intaglio engraving, the standard security printing method for French banknotes of this era. The crisp definition of the portraits, fine detail in the landscape elements, intricate border ornamentation, and sharp text all indicate traditional intaglio plate printing. This was likely produced by Banque de France's security printing subsidiary or contracted security printer, typical for IEDOM currency issues.
This note is catalogued as Pick 55b, which represents the '20 Nouveaux Francs on 1000 Francs' overprint variety. The PMG population data indicates four distinct varieties exist under the base P-55 number: P-55a, P-55b, P-55bs, and P-55s. The designation suggests variants may relate to signature combinations, date variations within the 1967-1971 issue window, or serial number prefix differences. The observed serial numbers (99799 and 05299799) and signature block configuration should be verified against specific catalogued differences for P-55b to confirm variety classification. The 'C.3' designation visible on the obverse may indicate a specific printer or printing run identifier.
