France - Overprinted Francs

In 1960, France revalued its currency, to 1/100th of the previous value. One hundred Francs became one New Franc (NF). Initially, old notes were overprinted with the new denominations, then new notes were issued denominated in "New Francs," and eventually the "New" designation was removed.

Banque de France

The third, and finally successful, French Central Bank is the Banque de France (BdF). It was formed by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1800 and marked the return to the Franc, based on value of gold and silver once again. BdF has provided financial oversight (often called the "bank of banks") for all of France's territories through the years, coordinating with the central banks listed below, and stabilizing exchange rates from French Francs to CFA, CFP and now Euros. The Banque de France is one of the few central banks that actually prints its own banknotes, with facilities in Chamalières, France.

B994 (
  • F.52
  • P-137
) 5 NF Victor Hugo
Victor Hugo and the Pantheon where he is buried
  • Printer: BdF
  • 142 x 75mm

  • Watermark: Victor Hugo

(F)
B995 face
B995 face
B995 (
  • F.53.1
  • P-138
) 10 NF Richelieu
Richelieu at the Palais Royal
  • Printer: BdF
  • 3/7/1957
  • 150 x 80mm

  • Watermark: Richelieu

(F)
B996 (
  • F.54
  • P-139
) 50 NF Henri IV
Henri IV at the Pont Neuf; Château de Pau
  • Printer: BdF
  • 160 x 80mm

  • Watermark: Marie de Médicis

(F)
B997 (
  • F.55
  • P-140
) 100 NF Bonaparte
Napoleon Bonaparte, Arc de Triomphe; Les Invalides
  • Printer: BdF
  • 10/30/1958
  • 172 x 92mm

  • Watermark: Bonaparte

(F)
(B)

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