500 francs 1974 specimen
Market Prices
About This Note
This is a 1974 specimen note from the Banque Nationale du Rwanda, denominated at 500 Francs, in uncirculated condition. The note features the Rwandan coat of arms on the obverse and an agricultural scene depicting a figure in traditional dress with a cacao plant on the reverse, both rendered in fine engraving. The prominent diagonal 'SPECIMEN' overprint confirms this as a sample note, making it a desirable item for collectors of African currency and central bank specimen releases.
Common. The eBay market price data shows specimen notes in this denomination trading predominantly in the $0.99–$9.99 USD range, with even high-end prices not exceeding $50 USD. The 2019 catalogue value for UNC is $50, indicating moderate collector interest but no scarcity premium. Print runs for Rwandan francs from this period were substantial for a regional central bank, and specimen notes were issued in standard quantities for archival and distribution purposes. The abundance of recent eBay listings at low prices confirms this is a readily available specimen in the collector market.
Issued during Rwanda's early post-independence period (1964-1976), this 500 Franc note reflects the nation's emphasis on agricultural identity and national symbolism. The obverse displays the national coat of arms featuring a dove of peace above crossed spear and bow, representing Rwanda's sovereignty established after independence from Belgium. The reverse prominently features cacao cultivation, highlighting Rwanda's agricultural economy and one of its significant export crops during this era.
The obverse features the coat of arms of the Republic of Rwanda positioned on the left within a shield design, displaying a dove with outstretched wings positioned above a crossed spear and bow symbol representing national identity. The denomination appears in both numerical (500) and written forms (CINQ CENTS FRANCS). The reverse depicts an agricultural scene central to Rwanda's economy, with a figure dressed in traditional attire holding a long staff or pole, positioned before a cacao pod hanging from a tree branch. The background shows an agricultural landscape with cultivated rows and plantation vegetation, emphasizing Rwanda's agricultural heritage. A circular geometric pattern containing the denomination 500 is positioned on the right side. Both sides incorporate fine-line engraving with intricate crosshatching and geometric patterns typical of mid-20th century banknote security design. The color scheme of the obverse is predominantly light green and beige with gray and white elements, while the reverse is rendered in black and white with gray tones.
OBVERSE: '500' (denomination), 'CINQ CENTS FRANCS' (Five Hundred Francs in French), 'Banque Nationale du Rwanda' (National Bank of Rwanda), 'SPECIMEN' (overprint designation), 'C000000' (specimen serial number), 'LES A VUE' (at sight/on demand), 'LA LOI PUNIT LE CONTREFACTEUR' (The law punishes the counterfeiter), 'ADMINISTRATEUR' (Administrator), 'GOUVERNEUR' (Governor), 'REPUBLIQUE RWANDAISE' (Rwandan Republic), 'LIBERTE EGALITE UNION PROGRES' (Liberty, Equality, Union, Progress). REVERSE: '500' (denomination), 'AMAFRANGA 500' (500 Francs in Kinyarwanda), 'Banki Nasiyonali Yu Rwanda' (National Bank of Rwanda in Kinyarwanda), 'SPECIMEN' (overprint designation), 'ITEGEKO LIHANA UMUNTU WESE UZIGANA IYI NOTI' (The law punishes anyone who counterfeits this note in Kinyarwanda).
Intaglio engraving (also called recess printing or copperplate engraving), evidenced by the fine-line geometric patterns, detailed crosshatching throughout, and the high-quality detailed portraiture and landscape work visible on both sides. This was the standard security printing technique for banknotes of this period. The specific printer for Pick P-9bs is not definitively documented in standard references, but Banque Nationale du Rwanda notes from this era were typically produced by established European security printers such as De La Rue or similar institutions specializing in African central bank currency.
This is a specimen note (P-9bs per Pick catalog), designated by the prominent diagonal 'SPECIMEN' overprint in black ink and the specimen serial number 'C000000' visible on the obverse. Specimen notes of this issue typically feature uniform serial numbers and were not intended for circulation. No significant varieties are noted for this Pick number based on the visual analysis; however, collectors should note that non-specimen circulation versions (P-9a, P-9) of the same design may show signature varieties or date variations. This particular specimen represents the standard archival/sample version released by the Banque Nationale du Rwanda.
