In the prior 3 summer blogs, we focused on summer imagery like beaches, fish and fun activities such as boating, fishing and surfing, therefore we are now turning to 5 banknotes that just ‘feel’ like summer.
Each Central Bank Has Their Own Style
Banque de France has always had a distinctive banknote design style. Their paper money is often complete scenes related to the country it represents. This approach is seen throughout the banknotes printed for France’s South Pacific territories or former countries that have since gained independence from France. For instance banknotes # 5, 4 and 3 fit this concept.
#5 – French Antilles 50 Francs, 1964
This note shows 2 beautiful Pacific Island images. This banknote shows the harvesting of bananas on the obverse and lumber on the reverse. For example the sea and clear skies and overall color scheme indeed makes this a perfect sample of the French design approach.
#4 – Martinique 1000 Francs, 1947
This banknote has images that could just as easily be found in a travel magazine or even a museum. This note uses a wide palette of pastel colors and shows several happy women. The notes don’t use typical line structures or even design conventions, but they are still secure and nicely produced.
#3 – New Caledonia 100 Francs, 1971
This banknote is probably my favorite example of a French banknote design. The local symbols and symbology are on display. The characters are happy and appear to be locals and there are wide landscapes of the local harbors.
#2 – Samoa 20 Tala, 2008
Many Samoan banknotes are bright and beautiful. This 20 Tala distinguishes itself from the others with its sunset yellow-orange background and mix of blues, reds and light greens on both sides. This note just makes me happy.
#1 – Netherlands 50 Gulden, 1982
What is more summer than a big yellow sunflower? A big yellow sunflower with a bee harvesting pollen? Or what about a field of sunflowers? This banknote, printed by Jos Enschede also has the same orange-yellow color scheme that is on the Samoan 20 Tala. This banknote might be might favorite ‘non Queen Elizabeth II” banknote.