Luxembourg 100 Francs Banknote – Grand Duke Jean, City Landmarks & Industrial Landscape (1968 Issue)
Pick# 14 | Numista Ref. N#210553
Released on 1 May 1968, this 100 Francs note represents the mid‑century evolution of Luxembourg’s currency design. Printed by Oberthur Fiduciaire, it features a crisp blue‑green palette and a balanced composition that highlights both the nation’s monarchy and its growing industrial infrastructure. The note circulated until its demonetization in 2002, shortly after the introduction of the euro.
Design Highlights
Obverse
Green‑blue and blue on a multicolour underprint
Architectural tower at the left, paired with a bridge leading into Luxembourg City at centre
Portrait of Grand Duke Jean at right, reflecting the stability of his long reign (1964–2000)
Issuing authority: BANQUE INTERNATIONALE À LUXEMBOURG
Denomination: CENT FRANCS
Date of issue: 1er Mai 1968
Latin script throughout
Reverse
Green‑blue on a green underprint
Industrial scene featuring steelworks and a dam, symbolising Luxembourg’s economic development and energy infrastructure
National coat of arms at centre
Issuing authority repeated in Latin script
Colour & Style
Cool blue‑green palette with subtle multicolour shading
Clean, modern engraving typical of late‑1960s European banknotes
Strong contrast between the traditional portrait obverse and the industrial reverse
Key Specifications
Feature Description
Country Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Issuer International Bank of Luxembourg
Grand Duke Jean (1964–2000)
Type Standard circulation banknote
Year 1968
Denomination 100 Francs (100 LUF)
Currency Luxembourg Franc (1854–2001)
Composition Paper
Size 142 × 76 mm
Shape Rectangular
Demonetized 28 February 2002
References P# 14
Printer Oberthur Fiduciaire, France
Signatures Joseph Leydenbach (Chairman), Joseph Kauffman (Vice‑Chairman)
Security Features
Traditional watermark
Fine‑line engraving and multicolour underprint
Mid‑century security design without holographic elements
Why Collect This Note
The 1968 Luxembourg 100 Francs note appeals to collectors for several reasons:
Represents the modernisation of Luxembourg’s currency design
Features Grand Duke Jean, a central figure in 20th‑century Luxembourgish history
Industrial reverse offers a unique contrast to earlier portrait‑focused issues
Printed by Oberthur, known for high‑quality European banknote production
Increasingly desirable in high grade due to demonetization in 2002
Its blend of monarchy, architecture, and industry makes it a distinctive addition to any European or pre‑euro collection.
