10 Francs, Bank of France, France, 1939–1942 (Pick 84)

This 10 Francs note was issued in France by the Bank of France, with dates recorded from 1939–1942. It belongs to the Franc (1795-1959) currency system. Issuing authority and period recorded in the catalogue: Third Republic (1870-1940). It measures 138 × 88 mm and is printed on paper. The Standard Catalog of World Paper Money lists the type as Pick 84.

Obverse: Blue print. Portrait of the goddess Minerva (Athena) in a medallion on the left. Its lettering reads “BANQUE DE FRANCE / DIX / FRANCS / 10 | 10 / LE CONTREFACTEUR SERA / PUNI DES TRAVAUX FORCES / A PERPETUITE”. Translation given in the catalogue: “Bank of France Ten Francs The Counterfeiter will be punished with forced work for life.”. Reverse: Blue print. A young peasant woman sitting in profile in a field, holding a sickle, leaning on a bushel and surrounded by a garland of vine leaves and bunches of grapes. Its lettering reads “10 / BANQUE DE FRANCE / GEO. DUVAL FEC. ROMAGNOL SC.”. Translation given in the catalogue: “Bank of France”.

The note was printed by Banque de France, Paris, France. Design is credited to Georges Duval. Engraving is credited to Cesare Abramo Romagnoli (Romagnol). Watermark: The bust of Minerva facing left. Signatures recorded for the type: Pierre Rousseau (PR) (General Cashier); René Favre-Gilly (RFG) (General Secretary). Issue date recorded in the catalogue: 2 September 1939. Demonetized: 1 January 1963. 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.