Extreme Banknotes
Belgium 1 Franc 1918 P-86b F
Belgium 1 Franc 1918 P-86b F
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Add a unique piece of World War I monetary history to your collection with this Belgium 1 Franc banknote from 1918, catalogued P-86b and offered in Fine (F) collectible condition. This note was issued by the Société Générale de Belgique during a remarkable period when Belgium was under German occupation in the First World War and conventional currency issuance had been disrupted.
As an example of occupation-era emergency currency, this historic banknote offers collectors both a story and a classic design from early 20th-century Europe. Despite being demonetized long ago, it remains a sought-after item among enthusiasts of war-era banknotes and Belgian monetary history.
🖼️ Design & Features
Obverse (Front):
Printed predominantly in mauve on pink underprint, giving it a distinct look compared to other Belgian issues.
Features a portrait of Queen Louise-Marie d’Orléans at the left side, linking the note to traditional national symbolism even during wartime.
Official French text states that the note can be exchanged for a National Bank of Belgium note of equal value after peace is restored, with laws against counterfeiting clearly printed.
Signed by Auguste Jean-Baptiste Hubert Marie Serruys (Treasurer-Director) and Jean Jadot (Governor), signatures that help date and authenticate the issue.
Reverse (Back):
Continues the mauve theme on pink underprint with bilingual French/Dutch inscriptions.
Reinforces the exchange promise and the penalties for counterfeiting in both languages, reflecting Belgium’s multilingual heritage.
Clean and symmetrical layout typical of smaller-denomination notes from the era.
Watermark:
Features vertical wavy lines, a basic but effective security element for the period.
📌 Historical & Collector Significance
Occupation-Era Issue:
This note was printed between 1 February 1916 and 29 October 1918 while Belgium’s central bank was displaced due to the wartime situation, and the Société Générale de Belgique was authorized to issue currency locally. It represents Belgian resilience and adaptability during a period of occupation and national upheaval.
Scarce Survivors:
Although printed in significant numbers at the time, surviving examples, especially in Fine or higher grades, are uncommon because many notes were redeemed after the war or destroyed. This gives genuine survivors a special appeal for collectors of WWI banknotes.
Cultural Context:
Featuring Queen Louise-Marie, the note ties back to Belgium’s monarchy even during occupation, blending regal imagery with the practical needs of wartime economics. The bilingual inscriptions also reflect Belgium’s French and Dutch linguistic landscape at a turbulent moment in history.
This Belgium 1 Franc 1918 P-86b note is a fascinating collectible that bridges war history, economic necessity and classic design, making it a compelling addition to any WWI or world paper money collection.
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Actual serial numbers on banknotes vary from piece to piece. The serial shown in product photos may not match the banknote you receive, but all items are guaranteed authentic and graded as described.
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CONDITION GUIDE
Gem Uncirculated
A note that is flawless, with the same freshness, crispness and bright color as when first printed. It
must be perfectly centered, with full margins, and free of any marks, blemishes or traces of handling.
About Uncirculated
A bright, crisp note that appears new but upon close examination shows a trace of very light use, such as a corner fold or faint crease. 'About Uncirculated' is a borderline condition, applied to a note which may not be quite uncirculated, but yet is obviously better than an average Extra Fine note. Such notes command a price only slightly below a new note and are highly desirable.
Extra Fine
A note that shows some faint evidence of circulation, although it will still be bright and retain nearly full crispness. It may have two or three minor folds or creases but no tears or stains and no discolorations.
Very Fine
A note that has been in circulation, but not actively or for long. It still retains some crispness and is still choice enough in its condition to be altogether desirable. It may show folds or creases, or some light smudges from the hands of a past generation. Sometimes, Very Fine notes are the best available in certain rare issues, and they should accordingly be cherished just as much as uncirculated notes.
Fine
A fine note shows evidence of much more circulation, has lost its crispness and very fine detail, and creases are more pronounced, although the note is still not seriously soiled or stained.
SHIPPING
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