PMG's Featured Note of the Month: France 20 Francs

France, Banque de France 1980-86 20 Francs (Pick# 151a) graded PMG 66 Gem Uncirculated EPQ Click images to enlarge.

Country: France

Catalog Number: Pick# 151a

Date: 1980-86

Denomination: 20 Francs

Varieties: PMG has also graded examples of Pick# 151b, 151c, 151d, 151e, 151f, 151g, 151h and 151i (which vary in their years and signature combinations) as well as Pick# 151cs, 151ds and 151s (which are Specimens).

What makes it special? Claude Debussy (1862-1918) was featured on the 20 Francs in the 1980s and 1990s. He is one of France's greatest composers, and his works include "Nocturnes" and "Images."

Did you know? June 21 is World Music Day (Fête de la Musique), a celebration of music that started in Paris on the summer solstice in 1982. Musicians are encouraged to perform in the streets and free concerts are organized as part of the event, which has reached over 100 countries.

Total graded by PMG: PMG has graded 156 examples of Pick# 151a (1980-86), 568 of Pick# 151b through 151i, and 11 Specimens (as of June 2022).

PMG median grade: PMG 66 Gem Uncirculated EPQ (for Pick# 151a individually, as well as for Pick# 151a through Pick# 151s taken as a whole).

PMG highest graded: Five examples of Pick# 151a (as well as 22 examples from Pick# 151b through Pick# 151s) are graded PMG 68 Superb Gem Uncirculated EPQ (as of June 2022). A single Pick# 151g is graded PMG 69 Superb Gem Uncirculated EPQ.

Sales highlights: A Pick# 151a graded PMG 67 Superb Gem Uncirculated EPQ sold for $47 through Heritage Auctions in April 2018, while a Pick# 151i graded PMG 67 Superb Gem Uncirculated EPQ sold for $43 through Heritage Auctions in August 2016.

PMG Registry: This note is part of the France, 1906-1997 Issue, P68-P160 and France, All Notes/Scores in Banque De France Set, 1906-1997 Issue, P68-P160 categories. The latter category's leading set, Third Empire Banque De France by Collectoroldthings, has a PMG 66 Gem Uncirculated EPQ example of Pick# 151a.

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