FRANCE. Banque de France. 50000 Francs, ND (1959-66). P-145sp. Specimen Proof. PMG Gem Uncirculated Known to seasoned collectors as Moliere. Designed by Euvre de Le Feuvre. Engraved by Miarliat et Beltrand. Intaglio printing designed by Piel. SPECIMEN PROOF (ver. 2), which was specially designed for size fitting purpose. This note was created during Charles de Gaulles term. Decisions regarding this note and latter series were made by Charles de Gaulle. Usually Frances SPECIMEN PROOF notes are already in the same size like the issued version. The issued version of this specimen proof note was finally issued as 500 NF on July 2nd, 1959 as its first date of issue, officially declared as legal tender on December 2nd, 1960, with size 97x182mm. There is no issued version for this 50,000 francs note. The only available versions are: SPECIMEN PROOF (ver. 1) note, SPECIMEN PROOF (ver. 2) note, SPECIMEN note (without registration #), and as a remainder that they later used for the also unissued 500 NF on 50,000 F Contre-Valeur series. On December 27th, 1958; President Charles de Gaulle announced old French franc devaluation, by removing 2 zeroes on it. So it deemed unnecessary to issue 50,000 Francs note. This example is seen with Moliere at center, and the theatre in the background. No watermark is seen. Extra large salvage sized borders as expected when regarding a Specimen Proof. .PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ...
