Offered here is a genuine World War II era French West Africa 5 Francs banknote issued by the Banque de l'Afrique Occidentale (Pick 28b, the double-block-letter, narrow-signature type). The back is dated 14 DÉCEMBRE 1942. The front shows a West African woman in traditional jewelry, block letters AU and serial number 0401026.

These notes were printed in the United States by the E.A. Wright Bank Note Co., Philadelphia, after French West Africa joined the Allies in late 1942, when the colony could no longer get notes printed in occupied France. A nice piece of WWII and African colonial history.

Condition: circulated, Fine. The design and colors are clear and the paper is intact. In fairness, someone wrote a date in ink on the front ("Mar 18, 1944" or similar) across the upper left. The note also has several folds and creases (most visible as vertical lines on the back), general soiling and toning of the margins, a dark stain at the upper left corner and lower left edge of the front, small gray-blue spots on the back, and rounded, worn corners with light edge wear. Please see the photos, which are the best description.

Denomination: 5 Francs
Date: 14 December 1942
Grade: ungraded (raw)

The note ships in a protective sleeve.

The note shown is the exact note you will receive.

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