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Second banknote series (1911)

These notes, which were first issued between 1911 and 1914, were replaced in 1956–57. This represents an exceptionally long life span. The 5-franc note was intended to replace the silver 5-franc coin, which was stockpiled during times of war or serious crisis and thus effectively removed from payment transactions. Of all the SNB's denominations, this note was in circulation for the longest period of time and was only recalled in 1980.
(Recommended reading: The Swiss banknote 1907-1997, Michel de Rivaz, Collection La Mémoire de l'oeil, ISBN 2-88100-080-0)

  • 1000

    Second banknote series, 1911, 1000 franc note, front
    Second banknote series, 1911, 1000 franc note, back

    Portrait front: Woman's head in left-hand medallion
    Motif back: Foundry
    Main colour: Purple and orange
    Design: Eugène Burnand
    Dimensions: 131 x 216 mm
    Date of issue: 16 September 1911
    Date of recall: 1 October 1958
    Worthless from: 1 October 1978
    Printing:     Waterlow, London

  • 500

    Second banknote series, 1911, 500 franc note, front
    Second banknote series, 1911, 500 franc note, back

    Portrait front: Woman's head in left-hand medallion
    Motif back: Embroiderers
    Main colour: Red and brown
    Design: Eugène Burnand
    Dimensions: 125 x 200 mm
    Date of issue: 24 December 1912
    Date of recall: 1 October 1958
    Worthless from: 1 October 1978
    Printing:     Waterlow, London

  • 100

    Second banknote series, 1911, 100 franc note, front
    Second banknote series, 1911, 100 franc note, back

    Portrait front: Woman's head in left-hand medallion
    Motif back: Mower (reaper)
    Main colour: Dark blue
    Design: Ferdinand Hodler
    Dimensions: 115 x 181 mm
    Date of issue: 16 September 1911
    Date of recall: 1 October 1958
    Worthless from: 1 October 1978
    Printing:     Waterlow, London

  • 50

    Second banknote series, 1911, 50 franc note, front
    Second banknote series, 1911, 50 franc note, back

    Portrait front: Woman's head in left-hand medallion
    Motif back: Woodcutter
    Main colour: Green
    Design: Ferdinand Hodler
    Dimensions: 106 x 165 mm
    Date of issue: 22 December 1911
    Date of recall: 1 October 1958
    Worthless from: 1 October 1978
    Printing:     Waterlow, London

  • 40

    Second banknote series, 1911, 40 franc note, front
    Second banknote series, 1911, 40 franc note, back

    Portrait front: 'Winkelried' (Swiss warrior) in left-hand medallion
    Motif back: Ornaments, rosette, value numeral
    Main colour: Purplish brown
    Design: Balzer (Orell Füssli employee)
    Dimensions: 82 x 144 mm
    Date of issue: Reserve note
    Printing: Orell Füssli, Zurich

  • 20

    Second banknote series, 1911, 20 franc note, front
    Second banknote series, 1911, 20 franc note, back

    Portrait front: 'Vreneli' (woman's head) in left-hand medallion
    Motif back: Ornaments, rosette, value numeral
    Main colour: Light blue and purple
    Design: Balzer (Orell Füssli employee)
    Dimensions: 95 x 163 mm
    Date of issue: 31 July 1914
    Date of recall: 31 December 1935
    Worthless from: 1 January 1956
    Printing: Orell Füssli, Zurich

  • 10

    Second banknote series, 1911, 10 franc note, front
    Second banknote series, 1911, 10 franc note, back

    Portrait front: Woman from Neuchâtel in left-hand medallion
    Motif back: Ornaments, rosette, value numeral
    Main colour: Yellowish brown
    Design: Gabriel Lory (fils) and Friedrich Moritz
    Dimensions: 82 x 135 mm
    Date of issue: Reserve note
    Printing: Waterlow, London

  • 5

    Second banknote series, 1911, 5 franc note, front
    Second banknote series, 1911, 5 franc note, back

    Portrait front: William Tell in left-hand medallion
    Motif back: Ornaments, rosette, value numeral
    Main colour: Greenish brown
    Design: Balzer (Orell Füssli employee)
    Dimensions: 70 x 125 mm
    Date of issue: 31 July 1914
    Date of recall: 1 May 1980
    Worthless from: 1 May 2000
    Printing: Orell Füssli, Zurich