100 francs 1965

Common. The 1965 100 Francs West African States issue was produced in substantial quantities as a standard denomination for circulation across member states. No evidence suggests limited print runs, early withdrawal, or special collector demand for this Pick number that would elevate it beyond common status. The PMG 66 EPQ grade reflects exceptional preservation rather than scarcity of the note itself.

This 1965 issue reflects the newly-independent West African states' assertion of cultural identity through currency design, depicting traditional African artistic forms—the stylized mask and elaborately beaded woman—rather than colonial-era imagery. The Banque Centrale des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest, established to serve multiple member states including Dahomey (modern-day Benin), issued this series during a period of monetary consolidation across the region. The architectural elements and tropical vegetation in the background evoke the West African landscape and cultural heritage that these newly-formed nations sought to commemorate.

The obverse depicts two complementary portraits representing West African cultural heritage: on the left, a stylized African mask with geometric features in the traditional sculptural idiom, and on the right, a woman wearing elaborate beaded necklaces and traditional braided hairstyle, rendered with careful attention to ethnographic detail. The composition is framed by ornamental geometric borders and includes architectural elements (likely a colonial-era structure or modern government building) with palm trees and tropical vegetation in the background, suggesting the regional context. The reverse features a full-profile portrait of an African woman facing left, adorned with multiple beaded necklaces and intricate braided hairstyle, accompanied by decorative sculptural relief elements in the lower right and continued geometric border ornamentation. The palette of orange, tan, black, and cream creates warmth and visual interest while maintaining excellent contrast for security purposes.

FRONT: 'BANQUE CENTRALE DES ETATS DE L'AFRIQUE DE L'OUEST' = Central Bank of the West African States; '100 CENT FRANCS' = 100 One Hundred Francs; 'PRESIDENT' and 'LE DIRECTEUR GENERAL' = President and The General Director; Serial number designation 'M.244 B' with serial number '6086638822' / '63822'. BACK: 'BANQUE CENTRALE DES ETATS DE L'AFRIQUE DE L'OUEST' = Central Bank of the West African States; '100 CENT FRANCS' = 100 One Hundred Francs; 'LES AUTEURS OU COMPLICES DE L'FALSIFICATION OU DE CONTREFACON DE BILLETS DE BANQUE SERONT PUNIS CONFORMEMENT AUX LOIS EN VIGEUR' = The authors or accomplices of the falsification or counterfeiting of banknotes shall be punished in accordance with the laws in force.

The note was produced using fine line engraving on steel plates, a premium security printing method evident from the detailed portrait rendering, precise geometric patterns, and consistent line work visible throughout both sides. The design demonstrates the characteristics of currency-grade intaglio printing, with particular attention paid to the portrait details and ornamental elements. This series was typically printed by Bradbury Wilkinson and Company or similar specialist currency printers serving African central banks during the 1960s, employing multi-color engraving techniques to achieve the observed color palette.

This note is identified as Pick P-201Be and bears the serial number designation 'M.244 B' with sequence '63822'. The 'M.244' prefix typically indicates a specific printing batch or security printer designation. Varieties of this issue may exist related to different signature combinations (President and General Director positions changed over time), signature types, and serial number prefixes. The 'B' suffix in the Pick designation may indicate a specific variety within the series, potentially relating to signatory combinations or printing variations. Collectors should note variations in watermark clarity and signature presence when cataloging examples.