20 franken 1970

Common. This is a regular-issue note from the long-running Sixth Series (1954-1976), with substantial print runs. eBay sales data shows consistent pricing in the $6-$30 range depending on condition, with VF examples selling for approximately $6-$8 and UNC examples for around $25-$30. The PMG 67 grade (Superb Gem Unc) represents the upper end of the uncirculated spectrum but does not command premium prices beyond typical uncirculated market values. Multiple Pick variants (P-46d through P-46v) exist for this base number, further indicating common circulation and availability.

This note was issued on January 5, 1970, by the Schweizerische Nationalbank during the later years of the Sixth Series of Swiss banknotes (1954-1976). The portrait of General Guillaume-Henri Dufour, a prominent Swiss military commander and politician of the 19th century, reflects Switzerland's tradition of honoring national figures on its currency. The reverse design featuring the Carlina acaulis (silver thistle), a native Alpine plant, symbolizes Swiss natural heritage and the nation's mountain landscape identity during the post-war prosperity period.

The obverse features General Guillaume-Henri Dufour (1787-1875), depicted in right-facing profile rendered in purple-brown engraving, positioned within an ornate circular medallion with a scalloped decorative border. The background employs sophisticated multicolored geometric wave patterns in blue, orange, green, pink, and white, creating a visually complex security-oriented design. A Swiss cross symbol appears on the left side of the obverse. The reverse showcases the Carlina acaulis (Alpine silver thistle), a wild plant native to the Swiss Alps, rendered in fine detail in the center-left portion of the note. The denomination '20' is displayed prominently on the right within a decorative quatrefoil or clover-shaped frame, with the trilingual bank identification text arranged along the edges. The entire design reflects the Sixth Series' commitment to showcasing Swiss natural and cultural heritage.

Front side: 'SCHWEIZERISCHE NATIONALBANK' (German: Swiss National Bank), 'BANQUE NATIONALE SUISSE' (French: Swiss National Bank), 'BANCA NAZIONALE SVIZZERA' (Italian: Swiss National Bank), 'SERIE 68 Y' / 'SERIE 68-Y' (Series designation), '20' (denomination), 'BERN UND ZURICH, 5. JANUAR 1970' (Bern and Zurich, January 5, 1970), 'Der Präsident des Bankrates' (The President of the Board of Directors), 'Der Hauptkassier' (The Chief Cashier), 'Ein Mitglied des Direktoriums' (A Member of the Board of Directors). Back side: 'SCHWEIZERISCHE NATIONALBANK' (German: Swiss National Bank), 'BANQUE NATIONALE SUISSE' (French: Swiss National Bank), 'BANCA NAZIONALE SVIZZERA' (Italian: Swiss National Bank), '20' (denomination).

Intaglio (line engraving) printing method, as evidenced by the fine-line detail work, intricate geometric patterns, and the crisp definition of the portrait medallion and botanical engraving visible in the uncirculated condition. The printer is identified as Orell-Füssli (OFZ) of Zurich, Switzerland's premier currency printer. The multicolor printing technique employed to create the complex background patterns and the sharp, well-defined transitions between colors indicate advanced intaglio printing with multiple impression passes or color separations.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-46r, one of eight known variants in the 20 Franken 1970 series (P-46d, P-46f, P-46g, P-46i, P-46r, P-46t, P-46u, P-46v). The letter designation (r) likely indicates a specific printer marking, signature combination, or production batch variation from Orell-Füssli. The series designation 'SERIE 68-Y' on the obverse confirms this as part of the numbered series sequence. The specific variant classification P-46r should be verified against detailed PMG or Pick catalog documentation for signature and printing variable distinctions.