This Burundi banknote represent the 2st denomination of the Burundian Franc (1975). Notes of this small value were produced enmasse and released as demand required. The last of these batches were released in 1 November 2007 (01-11-2007). Notably the 10 Franc banknote was replaced by a nickel-plated steel coin, in 2011. Which was followed by the demonetization of all banknotes 50 Francs and below, in 2015.
Due to their current (2021) low value, these notes make good gifts for beginner collectors. Since they are relatively easy to purchase and feature easy to read text. Making them a practical educational tool for these looking to better understand foreign languages. In addition to being useful, when trying fill out a new collection.
Observe
The observe depicts a dancing Kirundi warrior, wielding a spear and decorative staff. The note's text is doubled, printed in French and Kirundi. Representing the 2 national languages of Burundi. Both the header (French) and footer (Kirundi) text translate to "Bank of the Burundian Republic".
To upper far left the note's value is given as "Fifty Francs". Opposite to this is the note's issue date "01-11-2007", noting it as a final issue year. Although it should be noted this does not represent the note's actual print year. Above this date is the note's serial number "DT698636". The note's second serial number located below the beforementioned "Fifty Francs", printed in Kirundi.
To the right of the Kirundi warrior are the signatures of the bank "Governor" and "Vice Governor". These signatures in addition to the issue date are later added. The note's 50 Franc value is expressed by 2 number "50"s, located on lower left and upper right.
The remainder of the note is decorated with various guilloché patterns. Appearing in various patterns throughout, primarily along the borders. The most notable pattern is on the lower left, with its florescent greenish and orange colors. Forming the origin of most of the observe's underprint.
The underprint curves curves from this point, as a series of thick intersecting lines. Within this underprint is a finer microprint pattern, featuring tight waving patterns.
Reverse
The reverse relatively simple, featuring the Burundi Coat of Arms. Just as the note's observe, all text is doubled, printed in French and Kirundi. Representing the 2 national languages of Burundi. The Coat of Arms is the 1966 version, featuring a banner reading "Unity, Work, Progress”. The same words are repeated as wrap-around text printed in Kirundi.
To the lower left and upper right are overlapping decorative sets of triple floral patterns. Behind each floral pattern is a larger guilloché pattern in red ink. While the interior sections feature faint barely visible patterns. Similar to the spiral underprint pattern seen throughout the interior background.
The note 20 Franc value is expressed by 4 number "20"s, within the the inner corners.
The header (French) and footer (Kirundi) text translate to "Bank of the Burundian Republic". Below the footer is a small section, warning that "The counterfeiter will punished with penal servitude". This statement is printed in both French (top) to Kirundi (bottom).
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 129 x 64 mm or 5.08 x 2.52 in, shorter than a standard US Dollar.
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