Luxembourg 100 Francs Banknote – Grand Duke Jean & Prince Henry (1981 Issue)
Pick# 14a | Numista Ref. N#207445
Issued by the International Bank of Luxembourg on 8 March 1981, this 100 Francs note represents the final stylistic phase of the Luxembourgish franc before the euro era. Its warm brown‑and‑tan palette, classical portraiture, and abstract reverse design make it a distinctive example of Western European banknote art from the early 1980s.
Design Highlights
Obverse
Brown and tan on a multicolour underprint
Central depiction of a bridge leading into Luxembourg City, symbolising connection, commerce, and the fortified heritage of the capital
Portraits of Grand Duke Jean (reigning 1964–2000) and Prince Henry of the Netherlands, reflecting Luxembourg’s dynastic ties
Issuing authority: BANQUE INTERNATIONALE À LUXEMBOURG
Denomination: 100 CENT FRANCS
Date of issue: 8 MARS 1981
Latin script throughout
Reverse
Purple on multicolour underprint
Two stylised female figures swirling around the watermark area, rendered in a flowing, almost allegorical style
Denomination in Luxembourgish: HONNERT FRANG
Issuing authority repeated in Latin script
Colour & Style
Warm brown and purple tones with a soft multicolour background
Clean, elegant engraving typical of Bradbury Wilkinson’s late period
A blend of realism (portraits, bridge) and abstraction (reverse figures) that sets it apart from neighbouring European designs
Key Specifications
Feature Description
Country Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Issuer International Bank of Luxembourg
Grand Duke Jean (1964–2000)
Type Standard circulation banknote
Year 1981
Denomination 100 Francs (100 LUF)
Currency Luxembourg Franc (1854–2001)
Composition Paper
Size 142 × 77 mm
Shape Rectangular
Demonetized Yes
References P# 14a
Printer Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., United Kingdom
Security Features
Traditional watermark positioned between the stylised reverse figures
Fine-line engraving and multicolour underprint
No modern holographic or UV elements, consistent with early‑1980s European issues
Why Collect This Note
Collectors value the 1981 Luxembourg 100 Francs for its combination of royal portraiture, high‑quality British engraving, and the scarcity of Luxembourgish notes in general:
Represents the final decades of the Luxembourg franc before euro adoption
Features two significant historical figures: Grand Duke Jean and Prince Henry
Printed by Bradbury Wilkinson, known for crisp, detailed engraving
Attractive colour palette and balanced composition
Increasingly difficult to find in high grade due to demonetization and limited print runs
