France 1944 100 Francs - Descartes - 12-10-1944 - Serial K.117 UNC

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The 100 Francs banknote of the Descartes type, dated October 12, 1944, and identified by the series K.117, is a testament to French monetary history. This banknote was issued by the Banque de France.

The front of the banknote depicts René Descartes, French philosopher and scientist, sitting on the right. He holds a compass, a symbol of his intellectual rigor and scientific method. In the background, Clio, the muse of History, is represented holding a large open book, evoking the transmission of knowledge and the importance of memory. An hourglass completes this composition, symbolizing the passage of time and the timeless work of Descartes. The inscriptions "BANQUE DE FRANCE" and the face value "CENT FRANCS" are clearly indicated. The engraver of this side is Ernest Deloche, while the design is the work of Lucien Hector Jonas.

The back of the banknote features a bronze statue of a winged Victory, holding a shield engraved with the word "PAX" (peace in Latin). This allegorical figure symbolizes victory and the hope for peace. In the background, a rural scene illustrates the return of the harvest, evoking abundance and renewed prosperity. The inscriptions "BANQUE DE FRANCE" and the face value "CENT FRANCS" are also present. A legal text, Article 139 of the Penal Code, warns against counterfeiting and falsification of banknotes. The engraver of this side is Charles-Julien Clément, and the design is also by Lucien Hector Jonas.

The watermark of this banknote represents the head of Athena Lemnia in profile, a reference to ancient Greek art and culture.

 

 

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