2019-06-06 Thu

The Kerguelen Islands, also known as the Desolation Islands, are a group of islands in the Antarctic constituting one of the two exposed parts of the Kerguelen Plateau, a large igneous province mostly submerged by the southern Indian Ocean. These islands along with some other surrounding islands are a part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands and are administered as a separate district. There are no indigenous inhabitants, but France maintains a permanent presence of 45 to 100 soldiers, scientists, engineers and researchers.

Being a French territory, Kerguelen Islands had Francs as its currency. But now Euro is its official currency. Banknotes issued here are private release with time-limited reimbursements. Today we are looking at a 100 Francs banknote issued in 2010.

Today we are looking at a 200 Francs banknote issued in 2010. The obverse has the portrait of Rene Bossiere who was a pioneer of Kerguelen Islands and the founder of La Compagnie des Iles Kerguel. His portrait is set against a stunning view of the coastline and Le Doigt. The reverse has a cat's head to left; with the Port Jeanne d'Arc - an abandoned whaling station, in the background.

Image Courtesy: Just World Banknotes