Catalog
50 Francs
| Issuer | Zürcher Kantonalbank |
|---|---|
| Year | 1888-1907 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 50 Francs |
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| 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 |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Two circular medallions each enclosing a head of Hermes wearing a winged petasos, rendered in intaglio engraving, set against a plain field with the trilingual denomination inscription. |
| Reverse lettering | 50 CINQUANTE FRANCS FUNFZIG FRANKEN CINQUANTA FRANCHI |
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| Comments |
The Zürcher Kantonalbank was established in 1870 as a state-guaranteed cantonal institution, and its early note issues reflect the fragmented Swiss monetary system that persisted until the Swiss National Bank's founding in 1907 effectively ended private and cantonal note issuance. This 50 Francs belongs to that transitional period — a canton still exercising its right to issue currency, knowing that right was under political pressure.
Bradbury Wilkinson handled the printing from their London works, a common arrangement for Swiss cantonal banks seeking security printing expertise unavailable domestically. The design credits to Joseph Storck and Albert Walch are worth noting: Storck was a Vienna-based architectural painter and professor, an unusual choice whose involvement likely reflects the cosmopolitan sourcing of artistic talent by Bradbury Wilkinson for prestige commissions.