500 Francs / Frank / Franken BEF Banknote (World War II Issue) 1998

500 Francs / Frank / Belgian Franc (Issued 1998)

The Banque Nationale de Belgique held the constitutional responsibility for issuing Belgium’s currency throughout the twentieth century, serving as the nation’s central banking authority and custodian of monetary policy during periods of significant political and economic transition. When this 500 Francs banknote was produced in 1998, the institution was preparing the Belgian financial system for the imminent transition to the Euro, which would occur just three years later in 2001. The banknote represents the final generation of Belgian Franc denominations issued before the currency’s withdrawal from circulation, making it an important artefact of Belgium’s pre-Euro monetary era.

On the front, a carefully engraved portrait of a distinguished male figure appears in profile on the left side, rendered in fine line work against a pale cream background. The name “Magritte” is visible beneath the portrait in white lettering, identifying the subject as the celebrated Belgian artist René Magritte. The predominant colour scheme blends soft blue and purple tones across the upper portion, transitioning to pale green in the lower right corner. The denomination “500” is prominently displayed in the upper right corner in large numerical form. The issuing authority text “BANQUE NATIONALE DE BELGIQUE” appears in yellow lettering across the centre-right portion of the note. An elaborate geometric security strip runs vertically through the centre, featuring intricate guilloché patterning and repeated linear elements in blue and purple. Decorative botanical imagery, including stylised leaves rendered in yellow and orange gradients, appears in the middle-right section. A small circular emblem featuring the Belgian lion symbol is positioned in the lower right corner. The overall engraving style demonstrates the sophisticated security printing techniques employed by the Banque Nationale de Belgique during this period.

The reverse displays a composition centred on architectural and human figures rendered in blue tones. Multiple silhouettes of standing figures in business attire are arranged across the left and centre portions of the note, creating a scene suggestive of institutional or governmental activity. A yellow chair with curved backrest is depicted prominently, rendered in a minimalist style that echoes Magritte’s artistic approach to everyday objects. The denomination “500” appears in large numerals in the lower right corner, rendered in yellow and orange gradients matching the front design. The text “NATIONALE BANK VAN BELGIË BELGISCHE NATIONALBANK” is printed on the right side in white lettering, presenting the issuing institution’s name in both Dutch and French, reflecting Belgium’s bilingual official status. The serial number “43600075781” is printed twice, once in the upper left and again in the upper right. A geometric security pattern composed of repeated circles and lines runs through the central area. The colour palette transitions from blue and purple on the left side to pale green on the right, creating a visual continuity with the front design. The watermark area shows subtle variations in the paper’s translucency, with the portrait and denomination visible in show-through form.

This 500 Francs banknote can be exchanged through Webuyallcurrency.com, where old or withdrawn Belgian Francs banknotes are bought alongside other foreign currency — ideal for clearing a drawer of mixed coins and notes 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

Whether you want to sell foreign coins and notes or exchange leftover currency from past trips, Webuyallcurrency.com accepts Belgian Francs banknotes alongside modern money and settles everything in a single, easy transaction.