500 Francs / Frank BEF Banknote (World War I Issue) 1938-1943

500 Francs / Frank Belgian Franc (Issued 1938-1943)

The Banque Nationale de Belgique issued this 500 Francs note during a period of significant European upheaval, selecting allegorical imagery rather than a single historical figure as the dominant visual element. The design reflects the artistic conventions of interwar Belgian currency, employing classical allegorical figures to represent national values and stability. This denomination occupied an important position within the Belgian monetary system, serving commercial and banking transactions during the late 1930s and early 1940s. The note’s sophisticated engraving demonstrates the technical capabilities of Belgian security printing at this period.

On the front, the note displays an elaborate composition dominated by two classical allegorical female figures positioned in the upper corners, rendered in detailed intaglio engraving with fine cross-hatching throughout the background. Between these figures sits the crowned coat of arms of Belgium. The denomination appears twice in large numerals reading “500” and “100” (reflecting the bilingual French and Flemish denominations), positioned in ornate circular frames in the lower left and right corners. The central text reads “BANQUE NATIONALE DE BELGIQUE” and “CINQ CENTS FRANCS / CENT BELGAS” in elegant serif typography. Below this appears the date “BRUXELLES 4-28 SEPTEMBRE 1938” and a serial number “1640 T 699” repeated in all four corners. The paper exhibits a pale blue-grey colour with fine guilloché patterning visible in the background. Signature lines appear beneath the main inscription, and a security feature strip runs horizontally through the lower centre portion of the design. The entire composition uses blue-black ink applied with precision to create depth and dimension through graduated line work.

The reverse continues the allegorical theme with two robed classical figures positioned on either side of a central oval cartouche. The denomination text reads “500 FRANK / HONDERD FRANK” and “100 / HONDERD BELGA” in the upper section, maintaining the bilingual presentation. The central area contains decorative architectural elements and heraldic shields arranged in a decorative band across the top. The paper colour on the reverse appears slightly warmer than the front, with a pale greenish tone. Fine parallel line patterns and ornamental scrollwork fill the background, creating a dense protective pattern characteristic of security printing. The lower centre portion features another decorative cartouche containing smaller text. All elements maintain consistent intaglio engraving quality with clear, sharp line definition throughout. The bilateral symmetry of the design and consistent use of classical imagery reinforce the formal authority and security of the issue.

Wondering who buys foreign coins and notes? Webuyallcurrency.com does — a 500 Francs Belgian banknote like this is accepted alongside other old or withdrawn Belgian Francs banknotes, so you can exchange the lot for cash at once.

• Indicate the quantity of 500 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.