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1 Franc
| Issuer | Principauté de Monaco |
|---|---|
| Year | 1920 |
| Type | Local banknote |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | The note is framed by a border of olive branches with a cartouche at centre bearing the value in both words and numerals, flanked by two heraldic shields — one bearing a caduceus to the left and one bearing an anchor to the right. The Coat of Arms of the Principality of Monaco surmounted by a crown occupies the central upper portion. Two facsimile signatures of the Minister of State and the Treasurer General of Finances appear below the denomination. |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | A floral guilloche border frames the design with the value numeral repeated in circular cartouches at each corner. To the left, a heraldic shield with a ribbon is set beside a tree, while at centre, beneath a leafy branch, a vignette presents a panoramic view of the coastline and the Rock of Monaco. A crowned oval medallion bearing the denomination appears within the composition. |
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| Comments |
Monaco issued its own small-denomination paper money during and immediately after World War One because the disruption to French coin supply left the Principality — which normally relied on French coinage — without adequate small change. This 1 Franc note was part of that emergency emission, printed entirely within Monaco by the local press of Veuve A. Chêne rather than contracted to any major European security printer.
Engraver Albert Berthe's credit on a locally produced note is worth noting — the quality of intaglio work achievable by a small Monégasque firm was necessarily limited, and these notes show it. The watermark is the primary security feature, modest by the standards of contemporary French issues.
Three signature combinations are documented under JP#136- 06/07/08, all pairing R. le Bourdon with A. Noghès.