Catalog
100 Francs 5th series
| Issuer | Swiss National Bank |
|---|---|
| Year | 1956-1973 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| 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 | Thomas De La Rue & Company, London, United Kingdom |
| 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 predominantly in dark blue, with the left third occupied by a decorative panel of fine guilloche work in blue and ochre, bearing the bank name in three languages in flowing script. The main field to the right carries a large, finely engraved intaglio vignette after the painting 'St. Martin Dividing his Cloak' by Niklaus Manuel Deutsch, rendered in deep blue, showing an armoured knight on horseback extending his cloak over a prostrate figure beneath a moonlit sky. Denomination numerals '100' appear in pale blue along the left and right margins. |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Signature(s) | Log in to see details |
| Protection type | Log in to see details |
| Protection description | a woman's head visible when held to light |
| Variants | Log in to see details |
| Comments |
Pierre Gauchat designed the 5th series in the 1930s, but wartime conditions prevented its issue — the SNB held the complete series in reserve until 1956, meaning these notes entered circulation roughly two decades after their design was finalized. Thomas De La Rue printed the series in London throughout its entire run.
The sheer volume of signature combinations — over forty across eighteen dates — reflects routine personnel turnover on the SNB's three-person signing committee, not distinct printings. Collectors chasing complete signature sets face a genuinely demanding task. The 07.03.1973 date marks the final issue before the 6th series replaced it.