500 korun 1944 specimen
Market Prices
20 salesAbout This Note
This is a 1944 Czechoslovak 500 Korun specimen note printed by Goznak in Moscow, graded AU. The note features striking baroque-style ornamental design in deep red/maroon on light beige, with no visible wear, creasing, or damage. As a specimen note (indicated by the perforated marking visible in catalogs), this is a banker's sample rather than circulating currency, making it an interesting artifact of WWII-era Central European monetary history.
Common. Despite being a specimen note from WWII, eBay transaction data shows consistent sales in the $8–$64 range across multiple condition grades from 2013–2023, with most sales falling in the $10–$25 range. The 2016 catalog value of $25 UNC and numerous completed auctions with moderate to high bid counts indicate steady collector demand but abundant supply. The 1944 Czechoslovak 500 Korun specimen is not scarce in the numismatic market.
Issued in 1944 by the Československá Republika during the final year of World War II, this specimen note reflects the complex political status of Czechoslovakia under Nazi occupation. The use of both Czech and Slovak language inscriptions ('Republika Československá' and 'Päťsto Korún') on the note underscores the artificial Slovak State puppet government's currency system. The Moscow printing by Goznak indicates Soviet involvement in banknote production during this turbulent period.
This specimen note showcases pure ornamental design without portrait or landmark imagery, typical of emergency or specimen currency. The composition centers on a large baroque cartouche framing the '500' denomination on both sides. Symmetrical decorative elements include elaborate scroll work, floral and vine motifs, and scalloped borders executed in fine line engraving. The background features intricate geometric patterns and fine crosshatch/mesh work serving both aesthetic and security purposes. The shield-shaped cartouche on the reverse contains the issuer information and text validating the note. The overall design emphasizes craftsmanship and security rather than narrative imagery.
Obverse: '500' (denomination in numerals). Reverse: 'REPUBLIKA ČESKOSLOVENSKÁ' (Czechoslovak Republic), 'TÁTO POUKÁZKA PLATÍ' (This voucher is valid — Slovak), 'PÄŤSTO' (Five hundred — Slovak), 'KORÚN' (Crowns/Koruna — Slovak), '500' (denomination repeated), 'AM 114919' (Serial number), '1944' (Year of issue), 'PÔSOBENIE' (Operation/Activity — Slovak). The dual Czech and Slovak language usage reflects the period's political complexity.
Intaglio engraving by Goznak (State Security Printing House), Moscow. The note demonstrates characteristics of high-quality banknote intaglio: fine line engraving patterns visible in background, intricate geometric security patterns integrated into ornamental designs, detailed linework throughout borders and flourishes, and complex crosshatch patterns. The deep impressions and crisp detail visible in the AU condition specimen exemplify Soviet-era security printing excellence.
This is the Pick-49s variant (specimen note). The 's' designation indicates this is a specimen overprint rather than a circulating note. The serial number 'AM 114919' appears on this example. Goznak printing is confirmed as the sole printer for this Pick number according to PMG population data. The note displays the standard 1944 baroque ornamental design; no alternate design varieties are cataloged for this denomination and year combination.
