5 Francs, National Bank of Belgium, Belgium, 1926–1931 (Pick 97)

This 5 Francs note was issued in Belgium by the National Bank of Belgium, with dates recorded from 1926–1931. It belongs to the Franc (1832-2001) currency system. Issuing authority and period recorded in the catalogue: Albert I (1909-1934). It measures 125 × 75 mm and is printed on paper. The Standard Catalog of World Paper Money lists the type as Pick 97.

Obverse: Blue on light brown underprint. Conjoined portrait King Albert and Queen Elisabeth at left. With overstamp "Trésorerie / Thesaurie" on watermark area; two signature varieties. Its lettering reads “10-04-31 / BANQUE NATIONALE DE BELGIQUE / CINQ FRANCS / PAYABLES A VUE / 5 / LA LOI PUNIT / LE CONTREFACTEUR / DES TRAVAUX FORCES”. Translation given in the catalogue: “National Bank of Belgium Five Francs Payables at sight The law punishes the counterfeit forced labor”.

Reverse: Black on blue underprint. Seated man looking at factory scene. Its lettering reads “BNB / NATIONALE BANK VAN BELGIE / VIF FRANK / BETAALBAAR OP ZICHT”. Translation given in the catalogue: “National Bank of Belgium Five Francs Payable at sight”. Design is credited to Guillaume Minguet , Jean-François Freund and Arthur Théo Dirkx, Jean-François Freund , Guillaume Minguet and Arthur Théo Dirkx. Engraving is credited to François Poortman. Watermark: Portrait of King Leopold I. Signatures recorded for the type: Henry Stacquet (HS) (Treasurer); Louis Franck (LF) (Governor). Demonetized: 1 June 1950.

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.