1 MGA – 1926
$ 185
Colonial‑era low denomination note issued by the Banque de Madagascar, featuring the Roman goddess Juno in a finely engraved medallion framed by fleur‑de‑lis motifs. Reverse with patterned fleur‑de‑lis background, bold red “5,” and French Penal Code excerpt. Printed by the Banque de France on quality paper with allegorical female‑head watermark. A classic example of early 20th‑century French colonial artistry and secure intaglio printing.
1. Overview
- Issuer: Madagascar and Dependencies (French colonial administration) (Numista)
- Issuing Bank / Authority: Banque de Madagascar (Numista)
- Period: French Colonial Period (1897 – 1946) (Numista)
- Type: Standard circulation banknote (Numista)
- Years of Issue: 1926 – 1947 (Numista)
- Face Value: 5 Malagasy Francs = 1 Ariary (Wikipedia – Malagasy ariary)
- Currency: Malagasy Franc (MGF) (Wikipedia – Malagasy ariary)
- Composition: Paper (Numista)
- Dimensions: 125 × 80 mm (Numista)
- Shape: Rectangular (Numista)
- Demonetized: Yes — withdrawn after the 1961 currency reform (Wikipedia – Malagasy ariary)
- Catalogue Reference: Pick #35 (Numista)
2. Design and Imagery
Recto (Obverse)
- Main Portrait: Goddess Juno in a large medallion on the left (Numista)
- Framing Motifs: Stylized lily (fleur‑de‑lis) friezes (Numista)
- Text: BANQUE DE MADAGASCAR, denomination (CINQ FRANCS), signatures of bank officials
- Designer: Léon Leclerc (Numista)
- Engraver: Ernest Deloche (Numista)
Verso (Reverse)
- Design: Stylized fleur‑de‑lis background, large numeral “5” in red on the left, excerpt from Article 139 of the French Penal Code in red on the right (Numista)
- Designer: Léon Leclerc (Numista)
3. Security Features
- Watermark: Profile of a woman’s head (allegorical) (Numista)
- Fine Line Engraving: Guilloché patterns to deter counterfeiting
- Dual Denomination: Francs and Ariary for bilingual and transitional use (Wikipedia – Malagasy ariary)
4. Production Details and Variants
- Printer: Banque de France, Paris (Numista)
- Variants:
5. Cultural and Historical Notes
- Colonial Context: Issued under French colonial rule, the note’s imagery reflects European classical themes rather than Malagasy cultural motifs (Wikipedia – Malagasy ariary)
- Symbolism: The goddess Juno symbolizes authority, protection, and governance — aligning with French colonial ideals
- Economic Role: As a low‑denomination note, it was widely used for daily transactions in colonial Madagascar
- Legacy: Represents early 20th‑century French banknote artistry and the integration of Madagascar into the French monetary system
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuer | Madagascar and Dependencies (French colonial administration) |
| Issuing Bank | Banque de Madagascar |
| Period | French Colonial Period (1897 – 1946) |
| Type | Standard circulation banknote |
| Years of Issue | 1926 – 1947 |
| Value | 5 Malagasy Francs = 1 Ariary |
| Currency | Malagasy Franc (MGF) |
| Composition | Paper |
| Size | 125 × 80 mm |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Demonetized | Yes — withdrawn after 1961 reform |
| Obverse Design | Goddess Juno in medallion, fleur‑de‑lis friezes |
| Reverse Design | Fleur‑de‑lis background, numeral “5”, Penal Code excerpt |
| Watermark | Allegorical female head |
| Security Features | Watermark, fine line engraving, dual denomination |
| Printer | Banque de France, Paris |
| Variants | 1926–1937 (Saurin/Dejouany), 1937–1947 (Chaudin/Dejouany), specimens |
| Cultural Notes | Classical European imagery reflecting colonial authority; common low‑value note in daily use |
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