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20 Francs
| Issuer | Banque de l'Indo-Chine |
|---|---|
| Year | 1914 |
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| Currency | Franc (1919-1944) |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Décrets des 21 Janvier 1875; 20 Fevrier 1888; 16 Mai 1900 & 3 Avril 1901 BANQUE DE L`INDO-CHINE PAPEETE (TAHITI), le 23 Mars 1914. VINGT FRANCS PAYABLE MONALLE LOCALE AU PORTEUR (Translation: Decrees of January 21, 1875 ; February 20, 1888 ; May 16, 1900 and April 3, 1901 Bank of Indochina Papeete (Tahiti), March 23th., 1914. Twenty Francs payable in cash to bearer) |
| Reverse description | Dark blue note with an elaborate border of engraved dragons framing two circular guilloche medallions flanking the central text panels. The denomination "20 FRANCS" appears in large numerals at lower left and lower right, with a repeating "BANQUE DE L'INDO-CHINE" underprint band running horizontally across the lower portion. The engravers' credits appear at the foot of the design. |
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| Comments |
The Banque de l'Indo-Chine's 20 Francs of 1914 was among the earliest notes issued by that institution in the franc denomination series, distinct from the piastre-denominated issues more commonly associated with the bank. The design trio behind this note — Duval, Bramtot, and engraver Wullschleger — worked extensively for the Banque de France and brought metropolitan printing standards to colonial issue work. Wullschleger in particular was one of the more accomplished intaglio engravers of his generation in France.
Pick 2 is genuinely scarce. The 1914 date places production at the outbreak of the First World War, which disrupted distribution channels throughout French colonial territories.