50 francs 1970

Common. The 50 Francs from this 1961-1974 series was a standard denomination with large print runs typical of regular-issue Swiss currency. eBay transaction data shows consistent trading activity at modest prices ($30-$75 for various conditions in 2015-2020), with even high-grade examples (PMG 65) selling for approximately $100, indicating solid collector interest but no scarcity premium. The P-48j variety designation reflects standard cataloging of printing variants within a common series rather than indicating rarity. While this specific PMG 66 EPQ example represents a desirable grade, the underlying note type itself is not scarce.

Issued during the 1961-1974 series by the Schweizerische Nationalbank, this 50 Francs note reflects post-war Swiss economic stability and prosperity. The back's allegorical harvest scene—with its classical female figures, flowering vines, and interior architectural setting—symbolizes fertility, abundance, and the agrarian traditions underlying Swiss prosperity, themes particularly resonant in Swiss cultural imagery of the 1960s-1970s. The meticulous engraving and security features reflect Switzerland's reputation for precision and trustworthiness in international finance during the Cold War era.

The reverse design features an elaborate classical allegorical composition depicting the theme of harvest and agricultural abundance. The scene contains multiple female figures in classical dress (numbering 4-5 visible figures), some holding produce or flowers, arranged within an interior architectural space with shelving visible in the background. The composition employs fine line engraving throughout, with decorative flowering vines and foliage adorning the upper portion. The left side includes denomination markers and ornamental borders, highlighted by a red circular seal overlay. The dominant palette of green and cream/beige tones, combined with white highlights and fine line detailing, creates a refined, classical aesthetic reflecting the artistic standards of De la Rue's engraving work. This imagery parallels the obverse's portrait of a girl, creating thematic continuity around themes of fertility, beauty, and natural prosperity.

Back inscriptions observed: Denomination '50' (Fifty Francs); Serial number '2354458-030'; PMG grading notation 'Sixty Six' (grade 66); Reference/barcode sequence '48i66E2354458030G'; Grading service attribution 'The Official Grading Service of the BNG' (Banknote Grading authority); 'Exceptional Paper Quality' notation indicating EPQ designation by PMG. All inscriptions are in English (grading service notes) or numeric/alphanumeric (serial data and denomination markers).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), executed by De la Rue, London. The note exhibits characteristic features of this security printing method: fine, sharp line work throughout the design, intricate detail in the allegorical figures and architectural elements, complex tonal gradations achieved through varying line density, and precise registration of the multicolor overprint (green, red, and cream on multicolor underprint). De la Rue's distinctive engraving style is evident in the classical allegorical composition and the ornate decorative borders. Security features are embedded in the design complexity itself rather than as discrete modern features, reflecting 1960s-era banknote security practices.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-48j, one of nine identified variants (P-48a, P-48b, P-48e, P-48h, P-48j, P-48k, P-48l, P-48m, P-48s) within the base Pick number for the 1961-1974 50 Francs series. The 'j' designation likely reflects specific printing characteristics, signature combinations, or printer identification codes. Serial number observed: 2354458-030. The reference notation '48i66E2354458030G' encoded on the PMG holder provides the grading service's cataloging of this specific specimen. No other identifying variety markers (such as overprints, date variations, or signature variants) are discernible from the visual analysis provided.