50 korun 1953

Common. This is a regularly issued denomination from a substantial print run during the early years of Czechoslovak independence under Soviet influence. eBay market data demonstrates consistent availability, with numerous examples in circulation and graded specimens selling for moderate prices ($30-$50 for PMG 67-68 grades). The 2016 catalog values ($0.50 VG, $3 VF, $17.50 UNC) indicate this is a collector-accessible note without scarcity premiums. The abundance of historical sales data over multiple years confirms steady supply in the market.

Issued in 1953 by the Státní Banka Československá, this note reflects the early Cold War period when Czechoslovakia was under Soviet influence as part of the Eastern Bloc. The obverse features an allegorical female figure representing Liberty or the nation, while the reverse depicts Banská Bystrica (the Slovak city also known historically as Neusohl or Besztercebánya), a significant industrial and cultural center in Slovakia that had been rebuilt following World War II devastation. The inscriptions in both Czech and Slovak languages underscore the bilingual federal structure of the Czechoslovak state during this era.

The obverse features a classical allegorical female figure in flowing robes positioned within an ornate frame on the left side, representing the nation or liberty. The figure is rendered in classical style, appearing to hold or gesture near architectural elements. The composition is balanced with ornamental rosettes, decorative cartouches, and floral designs throughout. The denomination '50' is prominently displayed in multiple locations, with fine line engraving creating intricate detail work. The reverse depicts a panoramic landscape view of Banská Bystrica, showing the town nestled in a mountain valley with snow-capped peaks in the background, a winding river through the valley, evergreen forests, and church spires rising among the buildings. The landscape is framed with ornamental borders and includes a heraldic shield or coat of arms on the left side. The entire composition demonstrates sophisticated engraving technique typical of Eastern European currency of this period.

OBVERSE: 'Bankovka Státní Banky Československé' (Czech) / 'Bankovka Státnej Banky Československej' (Slovak) — 'Banknote of the State Bank of Czechoslovakia'; 'Padesát Korun Československých' (Czech) / 'Päťdesiat Korún Československých' (Slovak) — 'Fifty Korun of Czechoslovakia'; 'Padělání bankovek se trestá podle zákona' (Czech) / 'Falšovanie bankoviek sa trestá podľa zákona' (Slovak) — 'Counterfeiting banknotes is punishable by law'; Serial number: 'HF 163871'; Year: '1953'. REVERSE: 'Bankovky jsou kryty zlatem a ostatním aktivy Státní banky československé' (Czech) / 'Bankovky sú kryté zlatom a ostatnými aktívami Státnej banky československej' (Slovak) — 'Banknotes are covered by gold and other assets of the State Bank of Czechoslovakia'; Denomination: '50'.

This note was produced using intaglio (engraving) printing, the standard security printing method for currency of this era. The catalog references indicate the note was printed either by Gosnak in Moscow (Russian series prefix) or by TB in Prague, with replacement notes bearing the Z prefix. The fine line engraving is evident throughout both sides, with detailed allegorical and landscape imagery rendered with exceptional clarity. The multi-color printing (green on light green underprint for the obverse; blue and olive tones for the reverse) indicates separate printing passes, typical of mid-20th century banknote production.

The specific variety is identified by the Pick catalog number 85b designation. The visual analysis shows series prefix 'C-Y' on the observed specimen. Varieties for this issue include different printer attributions (Gosnak Moscow vs. TB Prague) and series prefixes (including replacement notes with Z prefix). The serial number observed on this specimen is 'HF 163871'. The Star in Circle watermark is present, as noted in the PMG grading label. This note represents the standard regular issue variety from 1953, not a replacement or emergency issue variant.