Tucked between France, Germany, and Belgium it is one of the richest and most influential countries in the world. Luxembourg is also known as the “Green Heart of Europe” for its pastoral land, but its prosperous and highly industrialized economy paints a different picture. It is one of the remaining sovereign grand duchies in Europe, holds the seat of the European Union’s Court of Justice, and is one of the founding fathers of the European Union.
Source: AS
Banknotes in Luxembourg
Before the euro came into the picture, Luxembourg used the Franc as its official currency. The Franc, also known as the Mark, circulated from 1854 to 1999.
The first person to be featured in the Luxembourg franc is Grand Duchess Charlotte. She succeeded her older sister Marie-Adelaide after she abdicated the throne for pro-German tendencies during the First World War. The first notes to show Grand Duchess Charlotte was introduced in 1923. For example, this 10 franc note portrays the Grand Duchess’ profile at the back with the coat of arms and a black circular seal that acted as an anti-counterfeit measure.
Source: Banknote World Educational
After Grand Duchess Charlotte abdicated the throne on November 12, 1964, the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg issued a new family of banknotes. They featured the new Grand Duke Jean. The profile of Grand Duke Jean continued to grace Franc banknotes until the adoption of the euro in 2000.
Source: Banknote World
This red 100 Luxembourgian franc banknote from 1985. It is part of the last series of franc banknotes that circulated in Luxembourg. Aside from the portrait of Grand Duke Jean in his military uniform, the front side of the note also shows the Grand Ducal Palace. Meanwhile, the backside of the note gives an overview of Luxembourg City.