500 korun 1945 specimen

Common. While this is a specimen note (indicated by the red Československo stamp), the eBay market data provided shows consistent sales in the $13-$57 range depending on condition and grading service, with most transactions between $15-$20 for AU/AUNC grades. These price points, combined with multiple transactions over a seven-year period, indicate this is a readily available specimen in the secondary market. The 1945 issue was produced in substantial quantities for the restored post-war state, and specimen notes from this period, while somewhat more scarce than circulation issues, remain common relative to truly rare notes. The catalog values (2016: UNC $22.50) further support a common classification.

Issued in 1945 by the Československá Národná Banka (Czechoslovak National Bank) in Bratislava, this note represents the currency of the restored Czechoslovak Republic immediately following World War II. The allegorical design on the reverse—depicting mountains, evergreen forests, and agricultural abundance with fruits and vegetables displayed on an ornate pedestal—reflects the nation's emphasis on reconstruction and economic prosperity during the early post-war years. The military-uniformed male portrait on the obverse and the nationalist heraldic symbols (double-headed eagle shield) underscore the patriotic themes central to post-liberation Czechoslovak identity.

The obverse features a male figure in military dress—identifiable by the embroidered collar and military cap—shown in right-facing profile within an ornate oval frame. This portrait likely represents a significant national or military figure of the Czechoslovak Republic, though specific identification requires additional historical documentation. The reverse depicts an allegorical scene of national prosperity: a mountainous Alpine landscape (likely the Tatra Mountains, significant to Slovak national identity) with evergreen forest in the foreground, and a classical pedestal table laden with agricultural products including fruits, vegetables, and a decorative vessel, symbolizing abundance and post-war reconstruction. Both sides are framed by highly elaborate engraved ornamental borders featuring lotus crowns, geometric patterns, and floral medallions. The heraldic shield with the Czechoslovak double-headed eagle appears prominently on the obverse as a national emblem.

FRONT SIDE: '500' / 'ČESKOSLOVENSKO' (Czechoslovakia) / 'PÄŤSTO' (Slovak: Five hundred) / 'KORÚN ČESKOSLOVENSKÝCH' (Czechoslovak crowns) / 'REPUBLIKA ČESKOSLOVENSKÁ' (Czechoslovak Republic) / 'SLOVENSKÁ NÁRODNÁ BANKA' (Slovak National Bank) / 'BRATISLAVA' / 'AUREL KALICH DEL' (Artist: Aurel Kalich drew this) / 'TENTO BANKOVKA JEST VYHOTOVENA KARIADENÍM ČESKOSLOVENSKÉ NÁRODNEJ BANKY V BRATISLAVE' (This banknote is prepared under the order of the Czechoslovak National Bank in Bratislava) / 'FALSOVÁNÍ BANKOVIEK SA TRESCE' (Counterfeiting banknotes is punishable) / Serial number '076365' / Series identifier '5 E d'. BACK SIDE: '500' / 'PÄŤSTO' (Slovak: Five hundred) / 'KORÚN ČESKOSLOVENSKÝCH' (Czechoslovak crowns) / 'AUREL KALICH' (Artist attribution) / 'B POPÁSEK' (Engraver attribution).

Intaglio engraving (copperplate/steel plate engraving), evidenced by the intricate fine-line work, stippling effects in the landscape details, precise geometric patterns in the ornamental borders, and the characteristic sharp definition visible throughout the design. The note displays the hallmarks of security printing from the immediate post-war period: multiple denomination indicators, complex border work, and fine linear details designed to deter counterfeiting. The specific printer/security printer for this 1945 Czechoslovak issue is not conclusively identified from standard references, though Czech and Slovak state printing works handled most denominations during this period.

Cataloged as P-54s (specimen note variant). The PMG population report indicates two variants exist for this base Pick number: P-54a (with leaf pattern watermark) and P-54s (this specimen variant without standard watermark). The 'B' series identifier '5 E d' and the specific red specimen stamp are characteristic features of the specimen variety. The red stamp with heraldic emblem and 'ČESKOSLOVENSKO' text serves as the primary distinguishing mark of the specimen issue. No signature varieties or major overprint variations are evident in this example.