5 FRF #313

Front

A young shepherd (berger) representing the French countryside during WWII, depicted in traditional dress with a mountainous landscape in the background. This note was issued during the German occupation and Vichy period, part of a series designed to evoke rural French values and pastoral themes during wartime. The shepherd motif symbolized agricultural self-sufficiency and traditional French identity during a period of national crisis.

Back

A shepherdess (bergère) in traditional French regional costume, surrounded by an ornate border of flowers, fruits, and agricultural bounty. The floral arrangements include roses and other garden flowers, symbolizing France's agricultural abundance and the continuation of rural life. The warning text reads 'LE CONTREFACTEUR SERA PUNI DES TRAVAUX FORCÉS À PERPÉTUITÉ' (The counterfeiter will be punished by forced labor for life).

History

The Berger series (Shepherd series) was issued by the Banque de France from 1943 to 1947, spanning the latter part of WWII through the immediate post-war period. Dated 25 November 1943 (Q.25=11=1943.Q), this note was printed during the German occupation. The pastoral imagery was chosen to emphasize traditional French rural values during wartime uncertainty. The 5 franc denomination was a common small note in everyday circulation. The series was eventually replaced by the 1959 nouveau franc reform at a rate of 100:1.