Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles
Identify by photoMy collectionContribute

20 Francs, National Bank of Belgium, Belgium, 1910–1920 (Pick 67)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · partial

Period

1910-1920

Issuing entity

Kingdom of Belgium

This 20 Francs note was issued in Belgium by the National Bank of Belgium, with dates recorded from 1910–1920. It belongs to the Franc (1832-2001) currency system. Issuing authority and period recorded in the catalogue: Albert I (1909-1934). It measures 137 × 88 mm and is printed on paper. The Standard Catalog of World Paper Money lists the type as Pick 67.

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 / 21-MAI-14 / 20 FRANCS / PAYABLES A VUE / Louis Titz INV. E. BIET SC.”. Translation given in the catalogue: “The law punishes the counterfeiter forced labor Brussels National Bank May 21th., 1914 20 Francs Payable at sight”.

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: “Twenty Francs Payable at sight Brussels National Bank”. 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.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
3
Photograph views
4
Catalogue references
2

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Similar to P#62. Signatures varieties : Tschaggeny & T. de Lanstsheere; Series: 1463-2261 (03-01-1910 to 03-08-1913). A. Babau / T. de Lanstsheere; Series: 2241-2629 (01-09-1913 to 23-12-1914). H. Stacquet / Van der Rest; Series: 2653-3725 (03-01-1919 to 19-07-1920).

Physical characteristics

Size
137 × 88 mm
Shape
Rectangular
Material
Paper
Watermark
National Bank of Belgium and head of Minerva.

Technical characteristics

Printer
National Bank of Belgium Printing Works, Brussels, Belgium (1851-2020)
Currency
Franc (1832-2001)
Designer
Louis Titz
Engraver
Édouard Biet
Demonetized
1 January 1957
Issuing bank
National Bank of Belgium

Design

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”.
Reverse
Printing in red monochrome. The texts are in Dutch. The value in words is regulated by the 39 Belgian municipalities.
Obverse lettering
LA LOI PUNIT LE CONTREFACTEUR / DES TRAVAUX FORCES / BRUXELLES / BANQUE NATIONALE / 21-MAI-14 / 20 FRANCS / PAYABLES A VUE / Louis Titz INV. E. BIET SC.
Reverse lettering
TWINTIG FRANKEN / 20 / BETAALBAAR OP ZICHT / Nationale BANK / BRUSSEL / Louis Titz INV. E. BIET SC.

Identification

Value
20 Francs
Dates recorded
1910-1920
Distinguishing features
Printed date and signature combination separate sub-varieties
Catalogue number to match
Pick 67

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Research required
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

  • Standard Catalog of World Paper Money (Pick)P67
  • NumistaN# 201650

Research required

  • Confirm date and signature varieties against the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money.
Can you source one of these? Submit a reference