100 francs 1967

Common. The 100 Franken denomination from the 1956-1973 series was a regularly issued note with substantial print runs. eBay market data shows examples in VF condition selling for $18-32 in recent years, well below the $200 UNC catalog value, indicating ready availability in the secondary market. Pick number P-49i is one of multiple cataloged variants (P-49b through P-49s), all produced by De la Rue, with no indication of restricted print runs or collector scarcity. While this specific PMG 66 EPQ example represents superior preservation, the underlying note type remains common in numismatic circulation.

Issued during the 1956-1973 period of Switzerland's fifth banknote series, this 100 Franken note reflects the post-war era's emphasis on classical artistic imagery and national symbols. The St. Martin theme on the reverse—depicting the saint's charitable act of sharing his cape—reinforces Christian humanitarian values that were central to Swiss cultural identity. The boy's portrait and the overall design aesthetic exemplify mid-20th century European banknote artistry, combining fine engraving traditions with modern security printing techniques.

The obverse features a three-quarter profile portrait of a young boy, likely representing youth or innocence, positioned in the upper right quadrant with a lamb below, symbolizing gentleness and purity. The portrait is rendered in fine black and white photogravure work. The reverse displays an elaborate allegorical engraving of St. Martin (a figure on horseback) dividing his cape with a beggar—a classical Christian charitable theme. The composition includes multiple figures in classical dress, with detailed architectural and landscape elements rendered in exquisite intaglio line work. Large ornate '100' denominations appear in all four corners, with extensive decorative guilloche patterning throughout both sides providing both aesthetic appeal and security against counterfeiting. Swiss crosses appear in the design, reinforcing national identity.

Front side: 'Schweizerische Nationalbank' (German: Swiss National Bank), 'Banque Nationale Suisse' (French: Swiss National Bank), 'Banca Nazionale Svizzera' (Italian: Swiss National Bank), '100' (denomination), 'PIERRE GAUCHAT PINXIT' (Latin: Pierre Gauchat painted/designed this), 'DE LA RUE LONDON FECIT' (Latin: De La Rue London made/printed this), Serial number: '56L19478'. Back side: '100' (denomination), matching serial number '56L19478'. The trilingual inscriptions demonstrate Switzerland's commitment to representing all major linguistic regions (German, French, Italian) on its currency.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving and photogravure combination) executed by De la Rue, London, one of the world's premier security printers. The visual evidence of fine line work, extensive guilloche patterns, and the photographic reproduction of the boy's portrait indicate a sophisticated multi-plate intaglio process. The printer's mark 'DE LA RUE LONDON FECIT' confirms the production methodology. The exceptional clarity and depth of the engraved elements visible in the PMG 66 EPQ grade reflect the high-quality printing standards De la Rue maintained for Swiss National Bank commissions.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-49i, representing one of at least 10 documented varieties within the base Pick number P-49 for the 100 Franken denomination (1956-1973). All cataloged variants list De la Rue (TDLR) as printer. Varieties within this series typically differ by signature combinations of Swiss National Bank officials or minor design elements across the 17-year issuance period. The serial number '56L19478' and the 1967 issue date place this note within the middle period of the series' circulation. The specific variety designation 'i' distinguishes it from variants b, d, e, k, l, m, n, o, and s in the PMG population report, though the exact distinguishing characteristics would require comparison with other P-49 variants to determine.