Our banknote is the first specimen of the 500 Francs “FRANCE” referenced in French reference catalogs, Les Billets de la Banque de France et du Trésor – Edition 2004 under the reference VF26.3.

It was also, the first specimen to appear in a French sale, that of the CGB fixed price sale Billets XV in 1997 and quoted as UNIQUE under the lot N°2146. It was then proposed in 1998, in another CGB fixed price sale “BILLETS XVIII”, under the lot N°2810 at the price of 45 000 Francs. Finally, this specimen has been cited in the notes of all editions of La Cote des Billets de la Banque de France et du Trésor (LA FAYETTE) until 2016.

Banknote certified PCGS 64 UNC, TOP Population PCGS. Very high grade (with traces hinge glue)

https://www.pcgseurope.com/banknotes/cert/34513218

Only two examples are graded at PCGS. Our specimen graded PCGS64, is the TOP POP or the finest known example, but appears twice in their population report by error.

According to the latest FAYETTE catalog La Cote des Billets de la Banque de France et du Trésor – 2021, only 5 examples of this type are known to exist.

Extremely rare, this note represents several types or characteristics in one: A rare non-issued type, a replacement note confirmed by the “X” printed next to the serial number, a specimen by perforation of the word “SPECIMEN” at the bottom of the note, and finally, probably a unique “Presentation Specimen” as it does not come from a specimen booklet, which strongly suggests that it was given to a high official.

References: Fayette/VF26.03Sp; #SB-124s; WPM/Pick.124s