This listing is for the photographed 1943 Morocco 50 Francs Banknote, First Issue. Issued by the Bank of Morocco under French monetary policy on August 1st, 1943. This note has a black overprint for the obverse design of this note, identifying that it is a first issue. Obverse of this note depicts a fortress and a sailing ship at the center. Reverse shows an ornamented design with arabic text and two 5-pointed stars on each end. Fantastic piece of history. P#26a (Pick Number 26a).
During World War II, Morocco was considered a French protectorate, meaning they were heavily influenced by the state of France during the war. The Banque d'État du Maroc was established in 1907 as part of Morocco's integration into the global financial system under European influence. Controlled by French and other European interests, the bank served as both a central bank and a commercial bank, managing currency issuance and monetary policy. By the time of World War II, it had already been issuing banknotes denominated in the Moroccan franc. When France fell to Germany in 1940, Morocco, as a French protectorate, came under the administration of the Vichy government. During this period, the Banque d'État du Maroc issued banknotes under the constraints of the Vichy regime. The currency remained pegged to the French franc, which was itself influenced by German occupation policies. In November 1942, Operation Torch brought Allied forces to Morocco, marking the beginning of the end of Axis influence in North Africa. After the Allies gained control, the Banque d'État du Maroc came under the influence of the Free French forces led by Charles de Gaulle. After the war, Morocco experienced increasing calls for independence, and the Banque d'État du Maroc played a role in the country's economic restructuring. In 1959, after Morocco gained independence in 1956, the institution was replaced by Bank Al-Maghrib, the modern central bank of Morocco.
Incredibly interesting piece of World War 2 history!
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1943 Bank of Morocco 50 Franc Banknote - WWII Era Note, First Issue - Black Overprint - 1943 Banque Detat Du Maroc Fifty Francs Note - P#26a