While Belgian francs have not been accepted as currency since late February 2002, a significant number of old banknotes have still not been converted into euros.
At the start of this year, nearly fifty million notes had not yet been exchanged at the National Bank of Belgium (NBB), totalling over €420 million.
The NBB continues to receive franc banknotes. At the beginning of 2024, the number of un-exchanged notes was just above fifty million; a year later, it stands at 49.99 million.
Recent statistics show that 84.1% of all banknotes in circulation at the end of 2001 have been exchanged. In terms of value, this amounts to 95.6%.
Picture dated 17 February 1964 presents a 500 Belgian Franc note with the impression of Pierre-Paul Rubens painting. Credit: Belga
For instance, only 70% of 100-franc notes have been exchanged, compared to 98.8% of 10,000-franc notes.
All banknotes issued by the NBB since 1944 can still be converted to euros. This can be done at NBB counters or through a postal procedure.
However, 20 and 50-franc banknotes issued by the Treasury, as well as coins, can no longer be exchanged.
