20 Francs, National Bank of Belgium, Belgium, 1896–1909 (Pick 62)

This 20 Francs note was issued in Belgium by the National Bank of Belgium, with dates recorded from 1896–1909. It belongs to the Franc (1832-2001) currency system. Issuing authority and period recorded in the catalogue: Leopold II (1865-1909). It measures 137 × 88 mm and is printed on paper. The Standard Catalog of World Paper Money lists the type as Pick 62.

Obverse: Frame and background in green and red composed of floral motifs of “Art Nouveau” inspiration. All texts are in French. The text of the Law is printed on two lines at the top of the frame. Below, the wording of the issuing institute is printed in red. In the center, the numerical value is printed in white in a red circle. The date and signatures are printed in black and the ticket number is printed in black. On the left, the Belgian lion lies at the feet of a goddess Minerva holding a caduceus in her hand. Minerva leans on a large number of tools on which we can read the words: “Work - Economy”. On the right side, a bouquet of laurels and a pennant comprising the lion of the Belgian coat of arms is hung on a pole. Below, a sword and a banner with the words: “unity is strength”. Its lettering reads “LA LOI PUNIT LE CONTREFACTEUR DES TRAVAUX FORCES / BRUXELLES / BANQUE NATIONALE / 29-JUIN-09 / 20 FRANCS / PAYABLES A VUE / LOUIS TITZ. INV. E. BIET. SC.”. Translation given in the catalogue: “The law punishes the counterfeiter with hard labour Brussels National Bank 20 francs Payable on demand”.

Reverse: Printing in red monochrome. The texts are in Dutch. The value in words is regulated by the 39 Belgian municipalities. Its lettering reads “TWINTIG FRANKEN / 20 / BETAALBAAR OP ZICHT / Nationale BANK / BRUSSEL / LOUIS TITZ. INV. E. BIET. SC.”. Translation given in the catalogue: “20 francs 20 Payable on demand National Bank Brussels”. The note was printed by National Bank of Belgium Printing Works, Brussels, Belgium (1851-2020). Design is credited to Louis Titz. Engraving is credited to Édouard Biet. Watermark: National Bank of Belgium and head of Minerva. Demonetized: 1 January 1957.

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.