The Bank of France has long explored the idea of featuring celebrities on its banknotes, but many of these plans have been scrapped due to various concerns. Recently, the European Central Bank (ECB) has announced a competition to design new banknotes that would include portraits of historical figures. However, past experiences show that these choices can sometimes lead to controversy, with several projects being abandoned in the 20th century. Central banks must carefully select images to ensure broad public approval and avoid any potential backlash. Among the proposed designs for the new ECB banknotes are portraits of notable figures like Maria Callas, Beethoven, Marie Curie, and Leonardo da Vinci. This marks a return to including portraits on European Union banknotes, which had been absent since the introduction of the euro. Historian Jean-Claude Camus, in his book Billets secrets de la Banque de France, documented several banknote projects that were never completed, even reaching the production stage. These were ultimately abandoned due to a variety of reasons, including political and historical sensitivities. One such case was the proposed 50 F note featuring Joan of Arc in 1939. The idea was scrapped as France was about to enter World War II alongside the United Kingdom. Since Joan of Arc was historically an enemy of the English, her image could have been seen as an insult to Britain, a key ally at the time. Another example is a 500 F note featuring a portrait of Colbert by Lucien Jonas. The note's slogan, "By its Navy and its colonies, France illuminates the world," became irrelevant after France’s defeat in 1940. Additionally, the design was found to be too similar to a portrait of Darlan, complicating its use further. Other projects were also abandoned due to political considerations. A banknote featuring Georges Clemenceau in the 1950s was rejected as France was working to reconcile with Germany after World War II. Clemenceau, a French leader known for his role in defeating Germany during World War I, was seen as a divisive figure in this new era of Franco-German cooperation. Similarly, figures like Colette and George Sand were considered but not chosen, possibly due to the controversial nature of their personal lives. The Bank of France ultimately preferred more neutral and widely accepted individuals to avoid controversy. Proposals involving royalty, such as Anne of Brittany, Elisabeth of Austria, and Clotilde, were also abandoned. This was likely due to the French Republic’s stance against representing monarchs on banknotes, which are meant to reflect secular and political values. Another notable case was the 200 F note featuring the Lumière brothers, who were linked to the Vichy government during World War II. This connection led to the project being scrapped, and the note was eventually replaced with one featuring Gustave Eiffel to avoid any controversy. The Bank of France has consistently chosen figures who are both widely respected and academically recognized, aiming to maintain public trust in the currency. The selection process is crucial not only for cultural representation but also for ensuring the security and acceptance of the currency. By carefully considering historical and political contexts, central banks aim to avoid any potential backlash while promoting national identity and shared values.