PMG Certifies Rare Note from France

PMG has certified a very rare 1793 note from the French city of Lyon issued amid the turbulence of the French Revolution.

The front of the note attests to its background (“SIEGE DE LYON”) and value (“Bon pour VINGT LIVRES,” meaning: Good for 20 Livres). It has serial number 1111, and is graded PMG About Uncirculated 50 NET.

1793 Siege of Lyon, 20 Livres (front), graded PMG About Uncirculated NET. Click image to enlarge.

1793 Siege of Lyon, 20 Livres (back), graded PMG About Uncirculated NET. Click image to enlarge.

The French Revolution began in 1789, with the Storming of the Bastille on July 14 marking a turning point against centuries of royal authority. The year 1793 was particularly chaotic, with the execution by guillotine of King Louis XVI in January followed by uprisings in Lyon and other parts of France against the central government. In August, government forces put Lyon under siege, and the insurrection there was quelled by October.

The 20 Livres note is particularly rare because it does not have cut cancellation. In fact, according to the Pick Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, only one uncut example is known.

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