🇲🇬 1995 Madagascar 500 Francs Banknote – Zebu Herding & Rural Life
Pick# 75b | Numista# 202139

Issued by the Central Bank of Madagascar (Banky Foiben’i Madagasikara), the 1995 500 Francs banknote is a vivid tribute to rural Malagasy life, with imagery that highlights the country’s agricultural economy, cultural identity, and natural heritage. This note also reflects the transitional period when Madagascar began expressing denominations in both Francs and Ariary.

🖼️ Design Highlights
Obverse: Features a young Malagasy girl at right, with a traditional village scene in the background. The design emphasizes community life and the importance of youth and tradition.

Reverse: Depicts herdsmen with zebus—a vital symbol of wealth and livelihood in Madagascar—set against a rural backdrop with thatched huts and open fields.

Color Scheme: Rich dark brown and green tones on a multicolored underprint, with fine engraving and regional motifs.

📌 Key Specifications

Feature Description
Country Madagascar
Issuer Banky Foiben’i Madagasikara
Year of Issue 1995 (ND)
Denomination 500 Francs = 100 Ariary
Pick Number P# 75b
Numista Catalog N# 202139
Printer Banque de France, Paris
Size 128 × 76 mm
Material Paper
Watermark Zebu’s head
Security Features UV-fluorescent ink, fine-line engraving
Demonetized 31 December 2009
🎁 Why Collect This Note?

The 1995 Madagascar 500 Francs note is a beautifully illustrated piece of African currency history, ideal for:

Collectors of agricultural and ethnographic themes

Enthusiasts of Indian Ocean island nations

Gifts for those born in 1995 or with Malagasy heritage

Whether you're drawn to its pastoral imagery, cultural symbolism, or transitional denomination, this note offers a rich and meaningful addition to any world banknote collection.