50 shillings 1944
Market Prices
19 salesAbout This Note
This is an attractive Allied Military Authority 50 Schilling note from 1944, the Austrian occupation currency issued immediately after WWII. The note displays excellent uncirculated condition with crisp, sharp printing throughout and no visible wear, creases, or damage. The design features elegant tan and brown ornamental patterns with decorative rosettes and floral motifs that are characteristic of this series.
Common. The eBay market price history shows consistent sales across multiple condition grades (VF, EF, AUNC) ranging from $2.35 to $46 USD, with most examples selling in the $6-12 range. Catalog values (2016) list UNC at only $22. The regular circulation of these notes and extensive surviving examples in the market indicate a substantial print run. This is a standard Allied occupation currency with no known rarity factors.
This note was issued by the Alliierte Militärbehörde (Allied Military Authority) following Austria's liberation in 1945, though dated 1944. The inscription 'IN OESTERREICH AUSGEGEBEN' (Issued in Austria) reflects the immediate post-war occupation period when the Allies administered currency in liberated territories. The austere, geometric design with ornamental rosettes represents the aesthetic of wartime and post-war Austrian banknote production under Allied supervision.
The obverse features a symmetric composition on a light tan/cream underprint with brown printing throughout. Ornamental wreaths or floral patterns occupy the top and bottom center in tan/beige with fine linework. Corner frames with decorative wavy borders containing the denomination flank each corner. The reverse presents two identical ornamental circular rosette designs with intricate floral and geometric patterns positioned symmetrically on the left and right. A large central '50' numeral is displayed prominently with denomination text below. Both sides employ fine line patterns and elaborate ornamental borders typical of security printing of this era. No portraits or named landmarks are depicted; the design is purely ornamental and geometric.
FRONT: '50 SCHILLING' (50 Schilling), 'FÜNFZIG SCHILLING' (Fifty Schilling), 'ALLIIERTE MILITÄRBEHÖRDE' (Allied Military Authority), 'SERIE 1944' (Series 1944), 'IN OESTERREICH AUSGEGEBEN' (Issued in Austria), Serial number 'C 25 321882' (appears twice). BACK: '50' (numeral fifty), '50 SCHILLING' (50 Schilling), 'FÜNFZIG SCHILLING' (Fifty Schilling).
Intaglio (engraved) printing, characteristic of high-security banknote production. The fine linework, detailed ornamental patterns, and sharp impressions visible in the images are consistent with intaglio printing technology. The Austrian State Printing Office (Österreichische Staatsdruckerei) likely produced this issue under Allied supervision.
The observed serial number is 'C 25 321882', which appears twice on the note as was standard practice. The Pick catalog lists P-109 as the sole variant for the 50 Schilling 1944 Allied issue. No overprints, signature variations, or other distinguishing varieties are noted for this type.
