100 Guinean Franc #233

Front

Profile portrait of a Guinean woman wearing traditional headwrap and jewelry, representing the cultural identity of newly independent Guinea. The note features the coat of arms of the Republic of Guinea with the motto 'JUSTICE' on a banner, flanked by olive branches. This first series was issued on March 1, 1960 ('le 1er MARS 1960'), shortly after Guinea became the first French colony in West Africa to vote for independence in 1958, breaking away from the French Community under President Ahmed Sékou Touré. The date '20.12' appears at lower left, and a carved wooden figure appears at right.

Back

Rural village scene depicting traditional Guinean life with banana trees, palm trees, and thatched-roof huts (cases) set against mountainous terrain in the Fouta Djallon highlands. This pastoral scene emphasizes Guinea's agricultural economy and traditional village life, reflecting the new nation's emphasis on cultural authenticity and rural development. The geometric border patterns draw on traditional West African textile designs.

History

This note belongs to the first series issued by the Banque Centrale de la République de Guinée following independence. Guinea became independent on October 2, 1958, after voting 'No' in Charles de Gaulle's referendum, making it the only French African colony to reject continued association with France. The Guinean franc was introduced in 1960 to replace the French West African franc at par. This series circulated from 1960 until currency reform in 1971 introduced the Syli at a rate of 1 Syli = 10 Guinean francs. The designs celebrate Guinean cultural identity and agricultural economy, departing from French colonial imagery.