Tahiti / French Polynesia 500 Francs ND (1985) – Pick 25d

Issuer: Institut d’Émission d’Outre-Mer (I.E.D.O.M.)
Country/Territory: French Polynesia (Tahiti)
Denomination: 500 Francs
Catalog Number: Pick 25d
Date: ND (1985)
Signatures: Billecart & Waitzenegger
Printer: Banque de France
Watermark: Marianne
Serial Number Prefix: O.3
Grade: PCGS Banknote Gem UNC 66 PPQ

Obverse

Features a Polynesian fisherman holding a paddle against a backdrop of the dramatic volcanic peaks of Bora Bora. An outrigger canoe sails in the foreground, while native marine life including tropical fish and coral reef imagery decorate the left side of the design. The note prominently displays the denomination in each corner and the title “Institut d’Émission d’Outre-Mer.”

Reverse

Depicts a Polynesian islander adorned with traditional floral decoration, accompanied by indigenous artwork and a carved ceremonial tiki figure. The scene is framed by tropical shoreline imagery, coral formations, marine life, and the island landscape of French Polynesia.

Security Features

• Large circular watermark area containing the Marianne watermark
• Intricate multicolor intaglio and lithographic printing
• Complex guilloche patterns
• Microprinted design elements
• Serial numbering in black ink
• High-quality Banque de France security paper

Specifications

• Dimensions: Approximately 140 x 75 mm
• Color Scheme: Blue, green, orange, pink, and tan multicolor design
• Material: Cotton fiber banknote paper
• Watermark: Marianne profile
• Series: French Overseas Territories issue

Collector Notes

The 500 Francs P-25d is one of the most visually appealing modern French colonial banknotes. The design captures the beauty and culture of French Polynesia with vibrant tropical imagery, native portraits, coral reef life, and island scenery. Notes graded 66 PPQ are highly desirable because they retain original paper quality, embossing, and exceptional eye appeal. While not rare, premium-certified examples are increasingly sought after by collectors specializing in French colonial, Pacific Islands, and world currency issues.

 ***the imaged is a scanned image from PCGS…the lines in the image are from their AMAZING scanning skills.