2016-08-03 Wed

Two important French Specimen Proofs would be offered by Stack’s Bowers Galleries in the World Paper Money Session at ANA World’s Fair of Money.

The Colbert notes were created in World War II when France was under Nazi Germany. It does not have a watermark and was issued for fitting purposes printed as “reserve” notes for Banque de France and declared as legal tender. They featured Jean-Baptiste Colbert and Mercury with oversized margins and without annotations which are generally found on other specimen notes.

The Molirre note was also designed for size fitting during Charles de Gaulle’s term. France’s Specimen Proof notes are generally of the same size as the issued version. This particular one was issued on 2nd July, 1959 and was declared as legal tender on 2nd December, 1960. There is no issued version for this 50,000 francs note.

The old French fran was to be devaluated on December 27th, 1958, by President Charles de Gaulle. The idea of 50,000 franc notes was pulled back. Moliere with the theatre in the background is featured. No watermark is seen and there are extra large selvage sized borders.

For more information: call 1-800-458-4646 or email Currency Specialist Aris Maragoudakis at amarkis@stacksbowers.com or Director of Currency Peter Treglia at petert@stacksbowers.com.