20 Francs Belges / Belgische Frank BEF Banknote (1946 Military Payment Certificates Issue) 1946

20 Francs Belges / B Belgian Franc (Issued 1946)

The Belgian Franc ceased to be legal tender on 1 January 2002, when Belgium adopted the Euro as its official currency. Military Payment Certificates such as this 1946 issue were created specifically for use by occupying Belgian armed forces in Germany following the Second World War, making them historically distinct from standard civilian circulation notes. These military occupation notes represent a unique period in Belgian monetary history when the nation’s forces required dedicated payment instruments outside conventional banking channels. Collectors and holders of this particular 20 Franc denomination now seek specialised currency exchange services to realise the value of these historical documents.

On the front, the banknote displays a striking composition dominated by the denomination “20” in a bold, circular green cartouche at the centre, surrounded by ornate scrollwork and floral flourishes. The text “ARMEE BELGE” appears prominently at the top in green capital letters, with “VINGT FRANCS BELGES” inscribed directly beneath the central denomination circle. Four corner panels bear the numeral “20” in contrasting brown and cream tones, each set within an ornamental rounded square. The serial number “178078” is visible in the top right corner, with the date “01.08.46” printed to the left, confirming the military issuance date. The entire note is framed by an elaborate guillochéd border pattern in cream and brown, featuring intricate geometric interlocking lines and repeating decorative motifs. Additional numerals and text appear at the lower corners, maintaining the symmetrical design scheme typical of military payment certificates.

The reverse features a dual-language presentation consistent with Belgium’s linguistic regions. The text “BELGISCH LEGER” and “TWINTIG BELGISCHE FRANK” appear in the centre, with matching green ornamental diamond shapes flanking the denomination on either side. Each diamond contains the numeral “20” in white. The entire surface is covered with fine parallel diagonal line patterns in brown that create a distinctive textured appearance. The border replicates the guillochéd design visible on the front, with identical cream and brown tones and geometric precision. Small directional notations appear at the base, reading “MET DIENSTSTOF VAN DE F.G.L.” and “EEN DIRECTEUR VAN DE F.G.L.”, indicating the issuing military authority.

Belgian Franc banknotes from the 1946 military occupation period remain sought after by currency collectors, military historians, and those with personal or family connections to Belgium’s post-war armed forces. If you hold this distinctive 20 Franc certificate, our UK-based currency exchange service provides specialist valuation and competitive pricing for withdrawn Belgian Franc notes of historical significance.

Webuyallcurrency.com makes it easy to exchange old coins and banknotes — a 20 Francs Belges banknote from Belgium is accepted with other old or withdrawn Belgian Francs banknotes and converted into cash in one go.

• Indicate the quantity of 20 Francs Belges / B Belgian Franc banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Got a mix of old coins and banknotes? Webuyallcurrency.com will exchange your Belgian Francs banknotes alongside other leftover and foreign currency, settling the whole lot in one straightforward transaction.