500 francs 1985
About This Note
This 1985 500 francs Tahitian banknote from the Institut d'Emission d'Outre-Mer is presented in uncirculated condition with excellent preservation throughout. The note features striking tropical and Polynesian imagery on both sides, with vibrant blues, beiges, and earth tones depicting sailing vessels, dramatic coastal cliffs, and indigenous cultural elements. The exceptional condition, combined with the artistic Polynesian iconography and the historical significance of this French overseas territory currency, makes this an attractive example for collectors of Pacific island currency.
Common. The 500 francs denomination from this 1985 issue of the Institut d'Émission d'Outre-Mer represents a standard circulation note with substantial print runs typical of mid-denomination currency serving an active economic territory. While individual UNC examples have collector value due to pristine condition, the Pick-25d itself is not scarce; these notes were widely issued and remain available in the collector market. Tahitian currency from this era is moderately collected but not particularly rare, with no documented recall, printing shortages, or limited issuance that would elevate this to scarce or rare status.
Issued in 1985 during the later period of French overseas franc circulation in Polynesia, this banknote reflects the Institut d'Émission d'Outre-Mer's mandate to serve French Pacific territories including Tahiti and French Polynesia. The reverse inscription 'PAPEETE' anchors the note to the capital of Tahiti, while the depicted coastal cliffs, tropical vegetation, and Polynesian tiki figures celebrate the region's distinctive geography and indigenous culture. This series predates the eventual transition to the CFP franc and represents a transitional period in the territory's monetary history.
The 500 francs note showcases distinct Tahitian and Polynesian themes across both sides. The obverse (front) features a portrait of a man in profile on the right side, likely representing a notable historical or political figure of French Polynesia, positioned against a tropical landscape with mountains, a traditional sailing vessel (pirogue), and palm fronds. Marine motifs including stylized fish and coral patterns frame the composition in blues and earth tones. The reverse (back) presents a bearded man in profile on the left—possibly representing a Polynesian chief or cultural figure—with distinctive tropical flowers and vegetation near his head. The right side displays tiki-like carved figures reflecting traditional Polynesian artistic traditions, while the background depicts the dramatic geological feature of Tahitian coastal cliffs rising from the ocean. Ornate geometric borders frame both sides, incorporating fine guilloché work typical of high-security currency design. The large central white circular area on both sides represents the watermark zone, enhancing security features.
FRONT SIDE: '500' / 'CINQ CENTS FRANCS' (Five Hundred Francs) / 'INSTITUT D'ÉMISSION D'OUTRE-MER' (Institute of Overseas Emission) / 'République FRANÇAISE' (French Republic) / 'LE DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL' (The General Director) / 'LE PRÉSIDENT DU CONSEIL DE SURVEILLANCE' (The President of the Supervisory Board) / Serial numbers: 06101482 and 01482 / Designation: M.3. BACK SIDE: '500' / 'INSTITUT D'ÉMISSION D'OUTRE-MER' (Institute of Overseas Emission) / 'PAPEETE' / 'L'ARTICLE 139 DU CODE PÉNAL PUNIT DE LA RÉCLUSION CRIMINELLE À PERPÉTUITÉ CEUX QUI AURAIENT CONTREFAIT OU FALSIFIÉ LES BILLETS DE BANQUE AUTORISÉS PAR LA LOI.' (Article 139 of the Criminal Code punishes with life imprisonment those who would counterfeit or falsify banknotes authorized by law.)
The note employs intaglio (engraved) printing combined with multicolor offset lithography, evident from the fine line patterns, guilloché work, and the layered color composition visible in the detailed background scenery and decorative borders. The crisp definition of portraits, the precision of security borders, and the complex interplay of colors suggest production by a specialized currency printer. Based on the 1985 date and French overseas issuance, this was likely produced by the Banque de France's security printer or a contracted European security printing facility specializing in colonial and overseas currency. The combination of intaglio for portraits and fine security elements with offset for the vibrant color backgrounds is characteristic of 1980s French banknote production standards.
This example is identified as Pick-25d, representing the 1985 version of this denomination. The serial number 06101482 and the M.3 designation provide specific identifying information for this particular note. Varieties of the 500 francs from this series can be distinguished by: printer marks and signatures (the 'M.3' designation may relate to a specific printing run or signature variety), serial number prefixes, and potential signature variations of the General Director and Supervisory Board President. The lack of overprints and the standard presentation suggest this is a standard issue example without special variety status.
