1940 50 Francs France Banknote Pick Number 85b Ceres Goddess of Agriculture & Caduceus Beautiful Very Fine or Better

Description: A beautiful and rather rare very fine or much better banknote from France. This is the January 11, 1940 Fifty francs or Cinquante Francs currency note. It is made of light, thin and crisp paper and retains its sharp and vivid colors. This beautiful banknote has a very colorful design showing Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture to the left of the front with the Park of Versailles in the center and a reclining woman to the left. The back of the note shows Mercury to the right with a Caduceus (the Greek symbol of medicine) in the center. This is a rather rare banknote with a very intricate and colorful design. This particular note has the serial number 299365648 which is displayed once in black center top on the front and is series Q.11975 which is displayed twice in black on the front. It has two signatures. It is dated 11 January 1940 (FY.11-1-194FY) on the front. The note has a watermark showing what we believe is a woman with fruit in her hair. Please carefully review the scan presented as it is part and parcel of our description.

Date: FY.11-1-1940.FY

Printer: Issued by the Bank of France.

Size: The banknote measures ~6" by ~3 9/16".

Pick Number: P 85b.

Condition: I would grade this banknote as a good very fine or better with all the details being very well preserved. It is an attractive note, with evidence of handling and minimum wear. The note has vertical and horizontal folds. The note's paper has some minor soiling, minor stains, and is still relatively crisp and not floppy. There are no tears into the border area, although the piece has only one pinhole that we could find. This is a beautiful rare note which would make a great addition to your collection of French banknotes. Please see photo for additional condition information.