1 Franc, Bank of the Belgian Congo, Belgian Congo, 1914–1920 (Pick 3)

This 1 Franc note was issued in Belgian Congo by the Bank of the Belgian Congo, with dates recorded from 1914–1920. It belongs to the Franc (1908-1960) currency system. Issuing authority and period recorded in the catalogue: Albert I (1909-1934). It measures 105 × 57 mm and is printed on paper. The Standard Catalog of World Paper Money lists the type as Pick 3.

Obverse: Polychrome printing, predominantly black and red. Texts in French. Frame of guilloche patterns with the value “1” repeated obliquely in the corners. In the center, the issuing institute “BANQUE DU CONGO BELGE” and below the value “UN FRANC” and the words “PAYABLE A VUE”. On the left, a seated young woman holds a sheaf of wheat and her other hand is placed on a locomotive wheel. On the right, a coat of arms with the Congolese star shining. The ticket number is printed in black. Signatures are printed in black. At the bottom, the article of the penal code is printed on a line at the edge of the frame. Its lettering reads “BANQUE DU CONGO BELGE / UN FRANC / PAYABLE A VUE A ELISABETHVILLE / LA LOI PUNIT LE CONTRAFACTEUR / DES TRAVAUX FORCES”. Translation given in the catalogue: “Bank of Belgian Congo One Franc Payable at sight in Elisabethville The law punishes the counterfeiter forced labor.”.

Reverse: Printing in orange monochrome. Guilloche frame with the value “1” on the sides. In the center, texts in Dutch. Its lettering reads “BANK VAN BELGISCH CONGO / EEN FRANK / BETAALBAAR OP ZICHT TE / ELISABETHVILLE”. Translation given in the catalogue: “Bank of Belgian Congo One Franc Affordable at sight Elisabethville”. The note was printed by Waterlow & Sons Limited, United Kingdom (1810-1961). Demonetized: Yes.

Identification note: match the value, issuing bank, printed date and Pick number together; dates and signature combinations distinguish sub-varieties, which are not separated in this entry. Details follow the Numista catalogue entry and the Standard Catalog reference it cites; they have not been checked against a central-bank archive.