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Fourth banknote series (1938)

During the Second World War, the Swiss National Bank commissioned the two painters – Victor Surbeck and Hans Erni – to design new notes. While the 1000-franc, 100-franc and 50-franc notes went into print, the 500-franc note did not progress beyond the proof stage. None of the notes were ever put into circulation. (Recommended reading: The Swiss banknote 1907-1997, Michel de Rivaz, Collection La Mémoire de l'oeil, ISBN 2-88100-080-0)

  • Fourth banknote series, 1938, 1000 franc note, front
    Fourth banknote series, 1938, 1000 franc note, back

    Portrait front: Woman's head in right-hand medallion
    Motif back:     Turbine
    Main colour:     Purplish blue
    Design:     Hans Erni
    Dimensions:     125 x 228 mm
    Date of issue:     Reserve note
    Printing:     Orell Füssli, Zurich

  • Fourth banknote series, 1938, 500 franc note, front
    Fourth banknote series, 1938, 500 franc note, back

    Portrait front: Woman's head in right-hand medallion
    Motif back:     Chemistry
    Main colour:     Reddish brown
    Design:     Hans Erni
    Dimensions:     116 x 210 mm
    Date of issue:     Reserve note
    Printing:     Orell Füssli, Zurich

  • Fourth banknote series, 1938, 100 franc note, front
    Fourth banknote series, 1938, 100 franc note, back

    Portrait front: Woman from Haslital in right-hand medallion
    Motif back:     Ornaments, rosette, value numeral
    Main colour:     Blue
    Design:     Victor Surbek
    Dimensions:     106 x 190 mm
    Date of issue:     Reserve note
    Printing:     Orell Füssli, Zurich

  • Fourth banknote series, 1938, 50 franc note, front
    Fourth banknote series, 1938, 50 franc note, back

    Portrait front: Woman's head in right-hand medallion
    Motif back:     Bull
    Main colour:     Green
    Design:     Hans Erni
    Dimensions:     96 x 167 mm
    Date of issue:     Reserve note
    Printing:     Orell Füssli, Zurich

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