100 Francs / Frank BEF Banknote (World War I Issue) 1933-1943

100 Francs / Frank Belgian Franc (Issued 1933-1943)

The 100 Francs banknote issued between 1933 and 1943 by the Banque Nationale de Belgique represents a period when Belgium navigated the interwar years and the onset of global conflict with careful monetary policy and artistic sophistication in its currency design. During this decade, the Belgian franc maintained relative stability despite economic pressures across Europe, and the central bank’s design choices reflected both national pride and technical excellence in anti-counterfeiting measures. This particular denomination served as a substantial note within the currency system, suitable for significant commercial and personal transactions during a transformative era in Belgian history. The banknote’s comprehensive allegorical imagery and layered security features demonstrate the engraving mastery practised by Belgian currency printers during the interwar period.

On the front, a striking allegorical female figure dominates the centre of the composition, depicted in classical style reclining whilst holding a torch that illuminates an ornate circular frame above her head. The engraving technique throughout the note is exceptionally fine, with delicate cross-hatching and stippling creating subtle tonal gradations across the entire surface. Two portrait medallions occupy the upper left and right corners, each presenting a profile head rendered in meticulous detail within circular frames. The denomination appears as “100 FRANCS” and “100 BELGAS” to accommodate Belgium’s dual-language regions, positioned in the upper portions on both left and right sides. The issuing authority “BANQUE NATIONALE DE BELGIQUE” stretches across the lower edge in elegant serif typography. The base also displays a serial number, visible as “4412.S.925” repeated in multiple locations, alongside the date “16.07.38” indicating the note’s authorisation date. Handwritten signatures, rendered in cursive script, appear in designated areas below the corner medallions. The overall colour palette is a warm grey-brown throughout, characteristic of the sepia-toned engraved designs typical of this era’s banknotes.

The reverse presents an equally elaborate design featuring allegorical figures in classical drapery arranged around a central circular void. Two distinct seated female figures occupy the composition, rendered with the same meticulous engraving technique visible on the obverse, showcasing expert use of line work and shading to convey dimensionality and form. Circular medallic emblems containing heraldic imagery appear in the lower corners, each framed within decorative borders. The denomination text “FRANK” and “BELGAS” is again present in the upper portion. The formal title “NATIONALE BANK VAN BELGIE” spans the bottom edge in substantial capital letters, maintaining the parallel French and Flemish inscriptions required for Belgian currency. The reverse surface displays the same warm grey tone throughout, with no additional colour printing, allowing the engraved line work alone to create the visual hierarchy and artistic impact. The paper itself, visible in both images where white space occurs, exhibits the characteristic texture and thickness expected of high-value banknotes from this period.

Have a 100 Francs Belgian banknote you no longer need? Webuyallcurrency.com lets you sell foreign coins and banknotes for cash, taking your Belgian Francs banknotes and other leftover currency in one simple exchange.

• Indicate the quantity of 100 Francs / Frank Belgian Franc banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

If you have leftover currency to exchange, Webuyallcurrency.com accepts Belgian Francs banknotes and a wide range of other foreign coins and notes, paying out for the lot in a single straightforward transaction.