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50 Francs
| Issuer | Kantonalbank von Bern |
|---|---|
| Year | 1883-1906 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 50 Francs |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Printer | Log in to see details |
| Designer(s) | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Green intaglio-printed note with a standing allegorical female figure in classical attire occupying the left vignette, and a seated putto vignette at lower right, both rendered in fine line engraving. The centre carries the bank title and denomination in bold letterpress within an elaborate guilloche underprint, with the date "BERN 1. Oktober 1903" and two manuscript signatures below the text panel. Denomination numerals "50" appear in each corner and at top centre within ornamental cartouches. |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | 50 50 CINQUANTE FRANCS FÜNFZIG FRANKEN CINQUANTA FRANCHI 50 50 |
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| Comments |
The Kantonalbank von Bern was one of several Swiss cantonal banks empowered to issue notes before the Swiss National Bank's founding in 1907 swept away the patchwork of regional currency. This note falls squarely in the transitional window — a product of a system already known to be temporary by the time later dates in the series were signed. Bradbury Wilkinson's intaglio work for Swiss cantonal issuers was technically accomplished, and the firm was a logical choice given its existing relationships with European state and quasi-state institutions.
Joseph Storck was a Vienna-based decorative artist, his involvement here an example of how Swiss provincial banks sometimes looked well beyond their own borders for design talent.