Swiss National Bank (SNB) Table Header

Fourth banknote series, 1938

During the Second World War, the Swiss National Bank commissioned the two painters Victor Surbeck and Hans Erni to design new notes. While the 1000-franc, 100-franc and 50-franc notes went into print, the 500-franc note did not progress beyond the proof stage. None of the notes were ever put into circulation. (Recommended reading: The Swiss banknote 1907–1997, Michel de Rivaz, COLLECTION LA MEMOIRE DE L'OEIL, ISBN 2-88100-080-0)

1000


Portrait front	Woman's head in right-hand side medallion
Motif back	Turbine
Prevailing colour	purplish blue
Format (mm)	125x228
Graphic artist	Hans Erni
Date of first issue	Reserve note
Print	Orell Füssli, Zurich

500


Portrait front	Woman's head in right-hand side medallion
Motif back	Chemistry
Prevailing colour	reddish brown
Format (mm)	116x210
Graphic artist	Hans Erni
Date of first issue	Reserve note
Print	Orell Füssli, Zurich

100


Portrait front	Woman from Haslital in right-hand side medallion
Motif back	Ornaments, rosette, and numeral of value
Prevailing colour	blue
Format (mm)	106x190
Graphic artist	Victor Surbek
Date of first issue	Reserve note
Print	Orell Füssli, Zurich


Portrait front	Woman's head in right-hand side medallion
Motif back	Bull
Prevailing colour	green
Format (mm)	96x167
Graphic artist	Hans Erni
Date of first issue	Reserve note
Print	Orell Füssli, Zurich