1000 francs 1942

Common. Market data from realbanknotes.com shows consistent availability with regular eBay sales of VF examples ranging from $41 to $102.50 over the past decade, indicating steady supply. The average price point ($50-$65 for VF specimens in recent years) and frequency of sales confirm this is not a scarce issue. While occupation-period notes have collector interest, the large print run of this denominated overprint and its routine appearance in the secondary market classify it as a common note within its Pick catalog.

Issued during the German occupation of North Africa in 1942-1943, this banknote exemplifies the Axis occupation currency system implemented in French colonial territories. The classical allegorical imagery—featuring Mercury, allegorical women representing commerce and prosperity, and civic virtues—reflects the Belle Époque aesthetic of the original Banque de France design from the 1890s. The overprinting of 'BANQUE DE L'ALGÉRIE' onto the unissued stock served as a practical wartime adaptation to address currency needs in occupied Algeria without commissioning entirely new plates.

The front features a symmetrical classical composition with two female portrait medallions in circular frames flanking the central 'MILLE FRANCS' denomination, identified as allegorical representations of Commerce or Prosperity. Reclining female allegorical figures occupy the left and right sides in classical drapery, framing ornate Corinthian-capital columns and pediments. An institutional coat of arms or emblem appears at the top center. The reverse depicts an elaborate allegorical scene representing civic virtues: a seated female figure on the left (likely Justice or Fortitude), a standing draped female figure in the center holding a torch or ceremonial staff with an urn above (representing Commerce, Industry, or Progress), and a male figure on the right (possibly representing Labor or Commerce). Two additional female portrait heads with decorative headdresses appear in corner medallions on the reverse. The engraving is attributed to Daniel Dupuis and Georges Duval, prominent French bank note designers of the Belle Époque period.

FRONT: 'BANQUE DE L'ALGÉRIE' (Bank of Algeria) — primary overprint; 'MILLE FRANCS' (One Thousand Francs) — denomination in center; 'Le Caissier principal' (The Chief Cashier), 'Le Secrétaire général' (The General Secretary), 'Le contrôleur général' (The General Controller) — officer titles; Signatures: 'La Vrie Finville', 'Arnotta', 'Adolphe Delamotte'; 'DANIEL DUPUIS ET GEORGES DUVAL FEC' (Engraved by Daniel Dupuis and Georges Duval); 'A LEFEVRE SC' (Engraver credit); Date marking '8-7-92' (8 July 1892, original design date); Serial number '1199416' with prefix 'W48'. BACK: 'DANIEL DUPUIS ET GEORGES DUVAL FEC' (Engraved by Daniel Dupuis and Georges Duval); 'LÉON... ROUSSEAU... SC' (Engraver/artist credit).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) on the original Banque de France design from 1890-1892. The overprint 'BANQUE DE L'ALGÉRIE' and the horizontal security bands were applied as a second printing operation in black, likely using letterpress or additional intaglio work. The fine detail and sharp line work visible in portrait medallions and architectural elements confirm professional engraving standards. The Banque de l'Algérie overprints were typically executed by the Banque de France's printing facilities or under their supervision.

Pick P-31 represents the 1000 Francs denomination overprint on the 100 Francs Banque de France template. The PMG population report indicates one cataloged variant for this Pick number. Varieties would be distinguished by signature combinations (three officer signatures visible: 'La Vrie Finville', 'Arnotta', and 'Adolphe Delamotte'), serial number prefixes (W48 noted on this example), and potentially different overprint dates within the 1942-1943 issuance window. The date marking on the front ('8-7-92') refers to the original design date of the underlying Banque de France note, not the overprint issue date. Collectors should note signature and serial prefix variations as potential distinguishing factors among surviving examples.