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20 Francs 3rd series, reserve banknote
| Issuer | Swiss National Bank |
|---|---|
| Year | 1923 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Engraver(s) | Ferdinand Schirnböck |
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| Obverse description | Dark intaglio-printed note with an elaborate guilloche border incorporating corner numerals '20' and floral rosette motifs. At left, an oval vignette contains a portrait of a young woman in three-quarter view, rendered in fine engraved lines. The central field carries the trilingual bank name in letterpress above the denomination in German, French, and Italian, with place and date of issue, and three signature lines for the President of the Bank Council, the Chief Cashier, and a member of the Directorate. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Printed in dark blue-violet, the reverse is dominated by a large central oval guilloche containing the numeral '20' in bold intaglio script, encircled by the trilingual bank name. The surrounding field is filled with intricate lathe-work and geometric guilloche patterns, with corner medallions each bearing the numeral '20' and a Swiss cross cartouche at top center. |
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| Comments |
The SNB's reserve series of the 1910s and 1920s were printed well in advance of intended issue dates and held in storage — a deliberate buffer against monetary disruption. This 20 Franc note was part of that precautionary stockpile, meaning many examples never saw active circulation at all, printed and vaulted rather than handled.
Schirnböck was a Viennese engraver of considerable reputation, and his involvement here reflects the cross-border professional networks Swiss printing houses maintained even in the years immediately following the First World War.