5 korun 1961

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows this note in various grades selling in the $0.95–$3.85 range over multiple years (2013–2021), with UNC examples consistently around $2.85–$3.45. This pricing pattern, combined with the regular issue classification and standard printer marks, indicates substantial print circulation and steady collector demand at modest prices. The 1961 5 Korun was not a special commemorative issue, limited release, or recalled currency, and multiple PMG variants (P-82b and P-82s) suggest multiple printings. There is no evidence of scarcity.

Issued during the height of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic's communist period, this 1961 note reflects the political symbolism of the era through its prominent use of the socialist coat of arms and bilingual presentation acknowledging both Czech and Slovak nations within the federal framework. The note's design, with its emphasis on state authority and legal tender status backed by the socialist state, served as currency in a Soviet-aligned economy during a period of relative stability before the political upheavals of the late 1960s. The baroque ornamental style, while decorative, also served practical anti-counterfeiting purposes through its intricate engraved patterns that were difficult to reproduce with contemporary technology.

The note features a symmetrical design with elaborate baroque ornamental borders framing the composition on both sides. The obverse displays decorative oval emblems containing the numeral '5' in the top corners, with the central area occupied by bilingual text and ornamental shield work. The reverse is dominated by a large oval central medallion containing the coat of arms shield of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, featuring a heraldic lion figure—the traditional symbol of Bohemian sovereignty and a key element of the socialist state's official heraldry. The entire note is executed in green and white/cream, with intricate fine-line engraving throughout creating baroque scrollwork, floral wreaths, and garlands that frame the central medallion. No portraiture is present; instead, the design emphasizes state symbols and decorative heraldic elements characteristic of Eastern Bloc socialist currency design.

FRONT SIDE: 'STÁTOVKA ČESKOSLOVENSKÉ SOCIALISTICKÉ REPUBLIKY' (Czech: Banknote of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic); 'STÁTOVKA ČESKOSLOVENSKEJ SOCIALISTICKEJ REPUBLIKY' (Slovak: Banknote of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic); 'PĚT KORUN ČESKOSLOVENSKÝCH' (Czech: Five Czechoslovak Korun); 'PADĚLÁNÍ SE TRESTÁ' (Czech: Counterfeiting is punishable); 'FÁLŠOVANIE SA TRESTÁ' (Slovak: Counterfeiting is punishable); Serial number 'DE 400597'; Date '1961'. BACK SIDE: 'ČESKOSLOVENSKÁ SOCIALISTICKÁ REPUBLIKA' (Czech/Slovak: Czechoslovak Socialist Republic); Text regarding legal tender status and obligation to accept at stated value in all places of payment (Slovak language legal declaration).

Intaglio (engraved) printing executed by STC-P (the Czechoslovak security printer). The visual analysis confirms the use of fine-line engraving throughout with intricate micropatterns and baroque ornamental designs that demonstrate the classical intaglio process. The detailed shield rendering, scrollwork, and micropatterns visible in both the borders and central designs are consistent with high-quality intaglio production, which provided the security features and aesthetic quality expected of socialist-era banknote printing.

This is identified as Pick P-82b, the standard 1961 issue by STC-P with watermark of stars in circles (repeated pattern). The serial number visible is 'DE 400597' with a 3mm high prefix, consistent with catalog specifications for this variety. PMG records document a variant P-82s also exists for this base Pick number, also with stars in circles watermark. The 'DE' prefix and printing details match the established P-82b specifications. No overprints, signature variations, or special markings are evident that would indicate a sub-variety or special issue.