3 korun 1961

Common. This is a regular issue 3 Koruny note from a major communist state with substantial print runs. eBay historical data shows these notes trading in modest quantities at very low values: PMG 66 examples sold for $13.50–$39 in 2019, and uncirculated examples without professional grading have sold for $3–$4. The 2019 catalogue value for UNC condition was only $3, indicating strong availability in the collector market.

Issued during the height of Czechoslovak Socialist governance under the Československá Socialistická Republika, this 1961 note reflects the political ideology of the post-1945 communist state. The central lion emblem and coat of arms featured on the reverse represent Czechoslovak national symbolism within the socialist context, while the ornamental security printing and formal inscriptions emphasize state authority and legal consequence for counterfeiting.

The front features prominent denomination numerals '3' in both upper corners and center, arranged within an ornate shield-like cartouche. The back displays the Czechoslovak coat of arms—a shield containing a lion emblem—as the dominant central element, flanked by two hexagonal ornamental frames containing state text. The entire design employs sophisticated decorative scrollwork, flourishes, and intricate border patterns characteristic of mid-20th century European security printing. The light blue-green underprint serves as the base, with darker blue-gray ornamental and structural elements providing depth and security features.

Front: 'ČESKOSLOVENSKÁ SOCIALISTICKÁ REPUBLIKA' (Czechoslovak Socialist Republic), '3 KORUNY' (3 Koruny), 'ČESKOSLOVENSKÉ' (Czechoslovak), 'PADĚLÁNÍ SE TRESTÁ' (Counterfeiting is punished), serial number '224963', printer initials 'JT'. Back: 'ČESKOSLOVENSKÁ SOCIALISTICKÁ REPUBLIKA' (Czechoslovak Socialist Republic), additional constitutional or legal text appears in hexagonal frames on both sides (not fully legible in provided image).

This note was produced by STC-P (likely Slovenske Tlačiarne, the Czechoslovak security printer) using traditional intaglio/engraving techniques combined with multicolor offset printing to achieve the layered blue-green and blue-gray coloring visible in both the underprint and ornamental designs. The fine detail work, sharp denomination indicators, and intricate border patterns indicate high-quality security printing typical of Czechoslovak banknote production in the early 1960s.

This note is catalogued as Pick P-81b (with the STC-P printer designation), distinguishing it from the P-81s variant also listed in PMG's population report. The serial number prefix format (3mm high numerals) and printer initials 'JT' are consistent with this variant. The 1961 date distinguishes it from the earlier P-79 (dated 1953), which is a related but separate note type.