5 marka 1919 specimen, backside

Common. Despite the specimen designation, this note type (P-45s) is not particularly rare in the current numismatic market. Catalog values from 2016 place UNC examples at $80, with eBay sales data showing a single UNC specimen sold for $92 in 2009. These moderate market prices and regular appearance in commercial sales indicate this is a common specimen note among collectors. The print run for this 1919 issue was substantial, and specimen copies were distributed to banks and government institutions, making them relatively available today.

This note was issued during Estonia's critical first year of independence following the Russian Revolution and World War I. The landscape imagery within the central medallion represents Estonia's agrarian character and natural identity as a newly sovereign nation. The multilingual inscriptions in German, Swedish, Estonian, and Russian reflect the complex linguistic and political environment of the newly independent Baltic state, which had emerged from centuries of foreign rule.

The obverse depicts an allegorical landscape scene representing Estonia's national identity, contained within an ornate oval medallion at the center. The landscape shows rolling hills, clouds, and a sun or moon symbolizing natural abundance and national renewal. The design is framed by elaborate fan-shaped or shell-like ornamental elements radiating outward, with intricate geometric and floral border patterns forming a decorative perimeter. The denomination numeral '5' is positioned in all four corners. The reverse is largely blank with only faint watermark impressions and light embossed markings. No portraits are featured; instead, the design emphasizes symbolic landscape and decorative elements reflecting the nation's agrarian heritage.

Front side — German: 'KASSENSCHEIN DER ESTNISCHEN REPUBLIK' (Treasury note of the Estonian Republic); Estonian/Swedish: 'ESTNISKA REPUBLIKENS KASSASEDEL' (Estonian Republic's Treasury Note); Russian: 'КАЗНАЧЕЙСКИЙ ЗНАК ЭСТОНСКОЙ РЕСПУБЛИКИ' (Treasury note of the Estonian Republic); Denomination: '5' (appears in all four corners). Back side — Faint reference marking: 'Vo92' (appears to be an archival or catalog reference). Large red 'PROV' overprint across the front indicates this is a specimen or proof copy.

Intaglio engraving (steel plate or copper plate engraving), evidenced by the fine line work, intricate border details, and the depth of the ornamental patterns visible in the imagery. The complex oval medallion and elaborate decorative borders are characteristic of high-quality security printing from this period. The thin paper stock and the quality of impression suggest production by an established European security printer, likely from Germany or Switzerland given Estonia's trade relationships in 1919.

This is Pick catalog number P-45s, the specimen variant of the 5 Marka 1919 issue. The PMG population report identifies P-45a and P-45s as the two known variants for this Pick number base designation. The specimen marking ('PROV' overprint) and the thin paper noted in collector records are distinguishing characteristics of this specific variety. The faint reference marking 'Vo92' visible on the reverse may indicate individual specimen tracking or archival cataloging from the issuing institution.