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50 Francs
| Issuer | Kantonalbank von Bern |
|---|---|
| Year | 1883-1906 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Shape | Rectangular (hand cut) |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | 50 DIE KANTONALBANK VON BERN zahlt dem Überbringer, bei Sicht, FÜNFZIG FRANKEN 50 in gesetzlicher Barschaft. BERN 1. Oktober 1903. BANKPRÄSIDENT: DIREKTOR : 50 |
| Reverse description | The reverse is printed in green and dominated by three large interlocking guilloche medallions arranged horizontally across the centre, each enclosing a small vignette with a numeral or symbolic motif. The three denominations in the Swiss national languages — CINQUANTE FRANCS, FÜNFZIG FRANKEN, and CINQUANTA FRANCHI — are inscribed across the medallion band, with denomination numerals "50" repeated in cartouches at all four corners. |
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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.