500 francs New Hebrides Type 1945

Reference:

Pick: #12A , The Banknote Book: B208 , Other: #KM704

Reference list

Description

New Hebrides. Bank of Indochina. Provisional Issues (1941-1963). A New Caledonia banknote Type (Pick: # 38) is overprinted in the center on the front of a red oval with a view of a Polynesian coastline, a Lorraine cross and the words "NOUVELLES HÉBRIDES - FRANCE LIBRE". Work by Gustave Fraipont and engraving by Eugène Gaspérini for the front and Rita for the back. Dimensions: 219 x 151 mm. Watermark: head of a Polynesian woman with flowers in her hair. The note is dated March 8, 1938 but was only issued overprinted in 1942. Front and back polychrome printing, mainly green, red and blue. Texts in French. Description of the front: frame composed of repetitive floral shapes. In the center of the upper edge, the label "BANQUE DE L'INDO-CHINE (BANK OF INDO-CHINA)" is printed in dark green in a light green cartridge. On the left, a standing woman wearing a wreath of woven leaves holds an olive branch in her left hand. His other hand is placed on a coat of arms in which we guess a Gallic rooster, a distant symbol of metropolitan France. Above, a scene of merchant ships at anchor in a Polynesian port, probably Noumea. Below, on a light green security background, Noumea and the date of issue, then the value in letters and the words "PAYABLE IN CASH TO BE SEEN BY THE HOLDER" are printed in dark green and are covered by the red oval overprint. The numbering and the alphabet are printed in black in small cartridges in the frame at the top and bottom. A single combination of signatures printed in black with President Marcel Borduge and Director General Paul Baudouin. On the left, a medallion containing the watermark is decorated with bunches of fruit and placed on a cart. In the foreground, a scythe and a rake are placed on cut hay. At the bottom of the note, the value in figures is printed in a red cartridge and surrounded by pineapple fruit. Description of the back: frame composed of fruit and flowers in repetition on the outline. In the center, two coastal landscapes with merchant ships and sailboats at anchor are separated by a light blue zone with the value in figures and light blue rays diffusing from the center outwards. Above, the monogram "BIC" of the "BANK OF INDO-CHINA". On the right, a young Polynesian girl with naked breasts is dressed in a long carmine pareo. On the left, the watermark medallion is invaded by tropical vegetation. Printer: Bank of France. 2000 issued note. Very rare note. In 1968, 64 banknotes were still in circulation!

Banknotes :Bank of Indochina. Provisional Issues (1941-1963)