1000 korun 1945 specimen

Common. While this is a specimen note (punch-hole cancelled), making it distinct from regular circulation notes, the eBay market data shows consistent sales of similar grades in the $80-$180 range (PMG 64-66), indicating healthy supply and regular trading activity. PMG population records show multiple variants catalogued for this base Pick number. The 2016 catalogue value of $42.50 for UNC and observed sales prices suggest this remains a readily available note for collectors willing to pay modest premiums for high grades.

Issued just days after the liberation of Czechoslovakia from Nazi occupation, this 1945 banknote represents the restoration of Czechoslovak monetary sovereignty under the newly re-established National Bank. The feminine portrait on the obverse and the prominent coat of arms of the Czechoslovak Republic on the reverse symbolize the rebirth of the nation and its renewed independence. The May 16, 1945 date marks a pivotal moment in Czech and Slovak history, occurring shortly after Prague's liberation on May 5, 1945.

The obverse features a classical portrait medallion of a young woman with long dark hair shown in profile facing right, framed within a circular ornamental border. The portrait represents Liberty or the spirit of Czechoslovak nationhood, a common allegorical choice for post-liberation currency. The entire note is enclosed in an ornate floral and decorative border with rosette and leaf motifs executed in fine engraved lines. The reverse displays an elaborate geometric rosette or medallion design at center with intricate cross-hatching and mesh patterns, flanked by the heraldic coat of arms of the Czechoslovak Republic positioned center-right. The reverse border contains repeating geometric and folkloric patterns reflecting Czech and Slovak folk art traditions. Large denominational numerals '1000' appear in all four corners on both sides.

FRONT: 'TISÍC KORUN' (One Thousand Korun) / 'ČESKOSLOVENSKÝCH' (Czechoslovak) / 'TATO BANKOVKA PLATÍ' (This banknote is valid) / 'V PRAZE DNE 16. KVĚTNA 1945' (In Prague on May 16, 1945) / 'NÁRODNÍ BANKA ČESKOSLOVENSKÁ' (National Bank of Czechoslovakia) / 'PADĚLÁNÍ SE TRESTÁ' (Counterfeiting is punished) / Serial designation 'S. 21 C' with serial number 550145. BACK: 'ČESKOSLOVENSKÁ REPUBLIKA' (Czechoslovak Republic) / Denomination '1000' appearing in all corners.

This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing by Tiskárna Bankovek (TB) in Prague. The fine line engraving visible throughout both sides, the sharp definition of the portrait medallion, the intricate geometric patterns, and the mesh work are all characteristic of high-security intaglio printing. The multicolor application on the reverse (dark blue/slate blue, coral/salmon pink, and gray on beige background) indicates sequential intaglio runs for each color layer, a standard technique for premium banknote production of this era.

This specific note is catalogued as P-74cs (specimen variant, as indicated by the 's' suffix and punch-hole cancellation visible on the reverse). The PMG population report indicates this Pick number has at least two catalogued variants: P-74a and P-74s. The serial designation 'S. 21 C' with serial number 550145 visible on the obverse represents this particular specimen's identification within the issue. The punch-hole cancellation is the defining characteristic distinguishing this specimen variety from regular circulating notes (P-74a).