Extreme Banknotes
New Caledonia NOUMÉA 20 Francs ND (1929) P-37 F+
New Caledonia NOUMÉA 20 Francs ND (1929) P-37 F+
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Add a piece of French colonial monetary history to your collection with this New Caledonia 20 Francs banknote (No Date, circa 1929), catalogued as P-37 and offered in Fine Plus (F+) condition. Issued for use in Nouméa by the Banque de l’Indochine, this note reflects the artistic and economic ties between France and its Pacific territories in the early 20th century.
This vintage banknote is part of the classic series of standard circulation notes used in New Caledonia when the French overseas franc was still tied to the broader French colonial monetary system. It offers both historical context and appealing design, making it a meaningful collectible for enthusiasts of colonial currency and world paper money.
🖼️ Design & Features
Obverse (Front):
Features a woman’s face in a medallion on the right, framed by elegant engraving and decorative elements in lilac-brown on a pale yellow background.
Engraved by Ernest Deloche and designed by Clément Serveau, names that reflect French banknote artistry of the era.
Reverse (Back):
Shows a peacock resting on a shrub with butterflies, creating a scene that blends ornamental elegance with natural imagery.
Inscribed with “NOUMÉA” and “20 FR”, marking the denomination and region of issue.
Engraver credited as Marguerite Dreyfus (Rita) with design by Roque, demonstrating the collaborative artistic work on both sides of the note.
📌 Historical & Collector Significance
📍 French Colonial Era Currency
This banknote was issued during the period when New Caledonia was a French overseas territory, and its currency was managed in conjunction with other French colonial holdings. New Caledonia’s franc at this time was part of the broader French franc system before the later introduction of the CFP franc after World War II.
🎨 Classic Artistic Collaboration
The P-37 note represents the work of multiple French engravers and designers, offering a snapshot of banknote artistry from a period when engraving was not only functional but also richly decorative.
📉 Demonetized but Collectible
No longer legal tender, this 20 Francs note carries historical value rather than monetary value, making it a great addition to collections focused on Oceania, French colonial currency, or early 20th-century banknote design.
📏 Classic Proportions
Measuring roughly 178 × 92 mm, its larger size and bold design are typical of early paper money, giving it presence in displays and albums.
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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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