Catalog
0,05 Franc
| Issuer | Government of Madagascar and Dependencies |
|---|---|
| Year | 1916 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 0,05 Franc |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Size | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Printer | Log in to see details |
| Designer(s) | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | The reverse is printed on plain buff paper and carries an engraved vignette of a zebu (humped Malagasy cattle) in profile facing right, rendered in dark ink with fine line detail. The Malagasy inscription "Variftoventy" runs vertically along the left margin, while the denomination in numerals appears along the right edge. The overall design is stark and utilitarian, consistent with emergency necessity currency of the period. |
| Reverse lettering | Variftoventy 5 0 |
| Signature(s) | Log in to see details |
| Protection type | Log in to see details |
| Protection description | Log in to see details |
| Variants | Log in to see details |
| Comments |
Madagascar's wartime fractional notes of 1916 were a direct response to the near-total disappearance of small coinage from circulation — a problem that struck French colonial territories hard once metal was prioritized for the war effort in Europe. The Government of Madagascar and Dependencies issued these low-denomination paper fractions as an emergency substitute, technically obligations rather than banknotes in the strict sense.
At five centimes, P#28 sits at the absolute floor of the series. These fragile scraps of paper were handled constantly by people who had little alternative, and attrition was severe. Survivors in any condition are genuinely uncommon.