5 Francs / Frank BEF Banknote (World War I Issue) 1938

5 Francs / Frank Belgian Franc (Issued 1938)

The 1938 Belgian 5 Franc banknote was issued during a period of considerable economic and political uncertainty across Europe, as nations grappled with the aftermath of the First World War and the gathering storm of international tensions that would define the late 1930s. Belgium, having endured devastating occupation and conflict during the Great War, sought to establish monetary stability through the Banque Nationale de Belgique’s carefully designed currency series. This particular denomination represents the nation’s commitment to restoring confidence in its financial institutions following the traumatic events of 1914–1918. The banknote exemplifies the sophisticated engraving techniques and classical iconography that characterised interwar European currency design.

On the front, a carefully rendered portrait occupies the dominant left-hand side, executed in fine intaglio engraving with meticulous cross-hatching and stippled shading that creates remarkable depth and three-dimensionality. The profile faces rightward, depicted with period military dress and formal collar detailing, rendered in shades of blue-grey against a cream-coloured paper base. Ornamental geometric patterning fills the upper corners and surrounding fields, featuring elaborate guilloché work with repeating circular motifs and decorative rosettes. The text “BANQUE NATIONALE DE BELGIQUE” arcs across the upper portion in capital serif lettering, whilst “CINQ FRANCS” appears prominently in the centre in bold typography. The serial number “574399” is printed in two locations, with additional numerals visible throughout the design. A blank circular space marked “TRÉSORERIE” occupies the lower right, reserved for treasury authentication stamps. Ornamental line work and floral flourishes frame the entire composition, with decorative corner elements at all four angles.

The reverse features bilingual text with “NATIONALE BANK VAN BELGIË” and “VIJF FRANK” displayed prominently in capital letters across the upper register. An allegorical female figure, rendered in the neoclassical style, sits contemplatively on the right side of the composition, wearing classical drapery and positioned above architectural and landscape elements. Her figure is depicted in fine engraving with careful attention to shadow and contour. The left side contains a large blank oval space marked “THÉSAURIE” for treasury purposes. Behind and around these elements, an expansive landscape vignette depicts riverside scenery with a bridge, fortifications, and distant architectural features rendered in detailed line engraving. Ornamental borders identical in style to the front frame the entire design, with repeated circular decorative motifs and the word “FRANK” integrated into the lower border design. The overall composition balances architectural grandeur with allegorical symbolism reflective of Belgian national identity.

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• Indicate the quantity of 5 Francs / Frank Belgian Franc banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Webuyallcurrency.com helps you exchange old coins and banknotes with no fuss, combining your Belgian Francs banknotes with other foreign currency into a single, hassle-free cash exchange.