20 franken 1976

Common. This is a regular-issue banknote from a major print run of the widely-circulated fifth series of Swiss francs. The eBay price data provided shows consistent trading in the $6–$34 range, with most graded examples (PMG 66) selling for $23–$30 and ungraded circulated examples typically under $10. The catalog value for uncirculated examples is listed at $22.50. The PMG population report indicates multiple variants (P-46d through P-46v) were produced in significant quantities. The PMG 67 EPQ grade represents a premium condition for the issue, which explains pricing at the upper end of observed sales, but the underlying note type remains common in the numismatic market.

This 1976 issue represents the later period of the fifth series of Swiss banknotes, issued by the Schweizerische Nationalbank on April 9, 1976. General Guillaume-Henri Dufour, depicted in profile on the obverse, was a revered 19th-century Swiss military leader and founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross, making him a significant historical figure for Swiss national identity. The reverse botanical motif—the silver thistle (Carlina acaulis)—reflects Switzerland's tradition of incorporating Alpine flora on its currency, symbolizing the nation's natural heritage and connection to its mountainous landscape.

The obverse features General Guillaume-Henri Dufour (1787–1875) in formal 19th-century dress, shown in left-facing profile within an ornate oval frame. He is rendered through fine line engraving against a complex, multicolored geometric background composed of intricate spiral and wave patterns in blue, orange, green, red, and yellow, serving both aesthetic and security functions. The reverse displays a prominent, detailed botanical engraving of the Carlina acaulis (silver thistle), a species native to the Alpine regions of Switzerland, rendered in fine intaglio with a predominantly blue-toned palette. The denomination '20' is positioned in ornate oval frames on both sides. All inscriptions appear in the three official Swiss languages (German, French, and Italian), reflecting the nation's multilingual character. The date of issue—April 9, 1976—and official signatures of bank representatives are printed in German on the obverse.

Front side: '20' (denomination); 'SCHWEIZERISCHE NATIONALBANK' (German: Swiss National Bank); 'BANQUE NATIONALE SUISSE' (French: Swiss National Bank); 'BANCA NAZIONALE SVIZZERA' (Italian: Swiss National Bank); 'SERIE 106 B' (Series 106 B); Serial number '089533'; 'Zwanzig Franken' (German: Twenty Francs); 'Vingt Francs' (French: Twenty Francs); 'BERN UND ZÜRICH, 9. APRIL 1976' (Bern and Zurich, 9 April 1976); 'Der Präsident des Bankrates' (President of the Bank Council); 'Der Hauptkassier' (Chief Cashier); 'Ein Mitglied des Direktoriums' (A Member of the Board of Directors). Back side: '20' (denomination); 'SCHWEIZERISCHE NATIONALBANK' (Swiss National Bank); 'BANQUE NATIONALE SUISSE' (Swiss National Bank); 'BANCA NAZIONALE SVIZZERA' (Swiss National Bank).

Intaglio (engraved) printing on high-quality banknote paper. The note was produced by Orell-Füssli (OFZ), the Zurich-based security printer renowned for Swiss currency production. The fine line engraving visible throughout the design, particularly in the portrait work and botanical illustration, combined with the complex geometric security patterns, indicates traditional recess printing methods. The multiple color printing visible in the background security patterns suggests the use of multi-plate intaglio techniques typical of central bank currency production during the 1970s.

This note is catalogued as Pick P-46w, representing one of several variants within the 1976 20 Franken issue. The visual analysis confirms Series 106 B with serial number 089533, consistent with the range for this variety. The PMG population data indicates at least eight distinct variants (P-46d, P-46f, P-46g, P-46i, P-46r, P-46t, P-46u, P-46v) exist for the base 1976 20 Franken issue, likely representing different printer batches or signature combinations. The specific signatures visible on this example (though not individually identified in the visual analysis) would further distinguish the exact sub-variety within the P-46w designation.