3 korun 1953
Market Prices
11 salesAbout This Note
This is a PMG 67 EPQ graded 3 Koruny banknote from Czechoslovakia dated 1953, representing a well-preserved example of mid-20th century Eastern Bloc currency. The note displays the characteristic light blue-green coloring with dark blue ornamental designs, fine line engraving throughout, and pristine condition with no visible wear, folds, or creases. This particular specimen showcases excellent eye appeal with crisp printing and sharp detail, making it a desirable example for Czechoslovak currency collectors.
Common. This note is a regular-issue denomination from a major state printer with substantial circulation throughout Czechoslovakia during the 1950s. eBay market data consistently shows uncirculated examples selling in the $2-$8 range, with PMG 67 specimens trading between $22-$31. The 2016 catalog value for UNC is $6, confirming this as an accessible common-grade note. High-grade examples command modest premiums but remain readily available to collectors.
Issued during the early years of the Czechoslovak People's Democracy (post-1948), this 1953 note reflects the political consolidation of communist-controlled Czechoslovakia. The reverse design prominently features heraldic emblems and the state coat of arms within ornamental frames, symbolizing national sovereignty and state authority during this period. The inscription 'ČESKOSLOVENSKÁ LIDOVÁ DEMOKRACIE' (Czechoslovak People's Democracy) directly references the communist political system formally established in Czechoslovakia following the 1948 coup.
The obverse features an ornate Art Deco-influenced design with the large denomination '3' positioned in top corners, surrounded by elaborate geometric and floral ornamental frames. The central band contains 'KORUNY' text within decorative cartouches with fine line engraving creating intricate background patterns. A red serial number appears in the lower right. The reverse showcases a large heraldic emblem—the Czechoslovak state coat of arms featuring a lion—positioned centrally within an ornamental shield frame. Flanking hexagonal frames contain institutional text. Both sides maintain perfect symmetry with light blue-green primary coloring and dark blue design elements. The watermark consists of a star within a circle, a standard security feature of this issue.
FRONT SIDE: '3' (denomination), 'KORUNY' (Crowns), 'ČESKOSLOVENSKENSKE' (Czechoslovak), 'STÁTNÍ KASÍRNA ČESKOSLOVENSKÉ' (State Treasury of Czechoslovakia), '1953' (year of issue), 'MB104385' (serial number). BACK SIDE: 'ČESKOSLOVENSKÁ' (Czechoslovak), 'REPUBLIKA' (Republic), 'ČESKOSLOVENSKÁ LIDOVÁ DEMOKRACIE' (Czechoslovak People's Democracy), with additional institutional text referencing state groups, security, and industrial organization within the new work plan system.
This note was produced using traditional intaglio engraving (fine line engraving) with multicolor offset printing. The PMG catalog data indicates the printer as STCP (Státní tiskárna Československé/State Printing Works Czechoslovakia), though alternative sources note printing by Gosnak in Moscow or TB Praha. The intricate ornamental patterns, fine line detail work, and precise color registration throughout are characteristic of professional government security printing from this era.
The specific variety is P-79b as cataloged by Pick. The PMG population report confirms STCP as the printer for this variant. Visual observation reveals serial number prefix 'MB' with series designation 'D-Y' visible on the front. Known varieties of this 1953 3 Koruny issue include notes printed by different facilities (Gosnak Moscow with Russian serials versus TB Praha with Czech serials), with replacement notes bearing 'Z' prefix. The observed specimen carries standard series prefixes consistent with regular circulation issue.
