1944 France 2 Francs – Allied Military Issue | P‑114
The 1944 France 2 Francs (P‑114) is an iconic Allied Military Currency (AMC) note issued during the liberation of France in the final phase of World War II. Printed in the United States and circulated from D‑Day onward, this emergency note represents a pivotal moment in European history and remains a highly collectable wartime issue.
Historical Context
Issued on 6 June 1944, the day of the Normandy landings, these notes were produced by the Allied Military Command to stabilise currency and support civilian transactions in newly liberated areas. Key contextual points:
Printed in the United States by Forbes Lithograph Manufacturing Company.
Used during the initial liberation of France, before the Provisional Government regained full monetary authority.
Although not officially approved by the French Provisional Government, the notes were accepted by banks and for tax payments.
Higher denominations were withdrawn in 1945, but the 2, 5, and 10 francs remained legal until the introduction of the euro in 2004.
This note is a tangible artefact of wartime logistics, occupation policy, and the rebuilding of France.
Key Features & Specifications
Issuer: France
Issuing Authority: Allied Military Command
Period: Provisional Government of the French Republic (1944–1946)
Type: Emergency banknote
Year: 1944
Value: 2 Francs
Currency: French Franc (1795–1959)
Composition: Paper
Size: 78 × 67 mm
Shape: Rectangular
Issued: 6 June 1944
Demonetized: 1 January 2004
Reference: P‑114, Fay VF.16
Printer: Forbes Lithograph Manufacturing Company, USA
Obverse
Decorative torches at left and right
Denomination 2 in all four corners
Central inscriptions:
ÉMIS EN FRANCE
1944 SERIES
DEUX FRANCS
Clean, functional wartime design in Latin script
Reverse
Central square featuring the French tricolour flag
National motto:
LIBERTÉ
ÉGALITÉ
FRATERNITÉ
Watermark
This emergency issue does not carry a traditional watermark, typical of wartime expedient printing.
Collector Notes
The 2 Francs P‑114 is one of the most accessible and historically meaningful Allied Military Currency notes. Its compact size, bold colours, and direct connection to the liberation of France make it a favourite among WWII collectors.
