100 francs 1966

Common. This note was issued as a regular circulation note during a 12-year period (1964–1976) with multiple date and signature varieties. eBay auction data shows consistent sales in the $12–$52 range, with UNC specimens typically realizing $15–$31, and 2019 catalog values at $50 UNC, all indicative of reliable supply and steady but modest collector demand. No evidence of low print runs, recalls, or scarcity premium applies to this Pick number.

Issued during Rwanda's early post-independence period (1964–1976 series), this banknote reflects the nation's agricultural economy and cultural identity through its depiction of banana cultivation and traditional dress. The map of Rwanda with labeled provincial boundaries and major cities (Kigali, Gitarama, Ruhengeri, Gisenyi, and others) represents the country's administrative geography during the early years of the First Republic. The bilingual inscriptions in French and Kinyarwanda underscore Rwanda's linguistic and cultural character in the mid-1960s.

The obverse features a detailed cartographic engraving of Rwanda's provincial boundaries and major settlements, including Ruhengeri, Byumba, Gisenyi, Gitarama, Kibunga, Kigali, Cyangugu, Gakongoro, Kibuye, and Butere, positioned at the left of the note. A large decorative starburst or floral emblem occupies the center-right, framing the denomination '100' and issue date. The National emblem of Rwanda appears on the lower left. The reverse displays a dignified engraved portrait of a woman in traditional Rwandan dress with her arm raised, surrounded by a thriving banana plantation with agricultural workers and a rural settlement, symbolizing Rwanda's agricultural heritage. The large numeral '100' is enclosed in an ornamental circular cartouche on the right side. Both sides feature intricate geometric borders and fine-line security work throughout.

Front: 'Banque Nationale du Rwanda' (National Bank of Rwanda) / '100 FRANCS' / 'PAYABLE EN' (Payable in) / Date: '31·03·66' (31 March 1966) / 'LA LOI PUNIT LE CONTREFACTEUR' (The law punishes counterfeiters) / Signature titles: 'VICE-GOUVERNEUR' and 'GOUVERNEUR' / Serial number: M410376. Back: 'Banki Nasiyonali yu Rwanda' (National Bank of Rwanda in Kinyarwanda) / 'AMAFRANGA 100' (100 Francs in Kinyarwanda) / 'ITEGEKO LIHANA UMUNTU WESE UZIGANA IYI NOTI' (The law punishes anyone who counterfeits this note in Kinyarwanda).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving/copperplate), evident from the fine detail, precise line work, and three-dimensional quality of the map rendering, portraiture, and agricultural scenes. The security features—decorative borders, complex geometric patterns, and fine-line agricultural background details—are characteristic of high-security intaglio printing. The printer for this series was De la Rue Company, a standard security printer for Banque Nationale du Rwanda issues of this period.

This specific example bears the date '31·03·1966' (31 March 1966), placing it among the earlier date varieties of this series. The serial number prefix 'M' is a standard circulation variety (replacement notes bear the prefix 'ZZ'). Signature varieties for this Pick number include combinations of VICE-GOUVERNEUR and GOUVERNEUR titles; this note displays both signatures in the lower portion. No unusual or rare variety characteristics are evident from the observed details.