5 dollars 1945

Common. While this is a historically significant note from the immediate post-war period, the eBay price data shows VF specimens selling for approximately $62 and F-grade notes for $12-26, with 2016 catalog values listing VF at $30 and UNC at $125. These moderate market prices and the availability of multiple sales records indicate this is not a scarce issue. The note was produced in sufficient quantities by a professional security printer to supply the Ethiopian banking system, and examples remain accessible to collectors.

This note was issued during 1945, a pivotal year in Ethiopian history following Emperor Haile Selassie I's restoration to power after the Italian occupation ended in 1941. The portrait of the Emperor on the obverse and the prominent Lion of Judah—a central symbol of Ethiopian sovereignty and imperial authority—on the reverse reflect the reestablishment of Ethiopian national identity and independence. The State Bank of Ethiopia's issuance of this currency reinforced the nation's monetary sovereignty during the immediate post-war period.

The obverse features a formal left-facing portrait medallion of Emperor Haile Selassie I in military dress, positioned in a circular frame on the left side. The right side displays a pastoral vignette with an acacia tree and flowering garden scene within an oval frame, symbolizing Ethiopia's natural wealth and agricultural heritage. The reverse is dominated by the central heraldic Lion of Judah—a crowned, seated lion facing right—framed in an ornate oval cartouche. This lion is Ethiopia's most iconic national symbol, representing the imperial dynasty's claimed descent from Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. All sides feature elaborate decorative scrollwork, geometric patterns, and floral motifs characteristic of fine security engraving. The color scheme transitions from gray-pink on the obverse to orange-cream on the reverse.

Front side: 'State Bank of Ethiopia' (English), 'FIVE ETHIOPIAN DOLLARS' (English denomination), 'SECURITY BANKNOTE COMPANY' (printer attribution), 'AP 384688' (serial number, appearing top right and bottom left), with Amharic text in cartouche at top (translation not available without Amharic expertise), and an official signature in lower right. Back side: '5' (denomination numerals in all four corners), with Amharic text at bottom (translation not available without Amharic expertise).

Intaglio (steel engraving) printing, executed by the Security Banknote Company (SBNC), a specialized security printer. The fine-line engraving, complex geometric background patterns, intricate scrollwork, and high level of detail observable throughout both sides are characteristic of professional intaglio production. The crisp impression and consistent ink saturation in the AU specimen indicate skilled press work and careful quality control during production.

The observed serial number 'AP 384688' with the 'AP' prefix is consistent with the standard numbering format for this issue. The specific variety would be determined by signature varieties (the note shows one official signature in the lower right), which may correspond to different government officials or issuing periods within 1945. Without access to comprehensive signature cataloging for State Bank of Ethiopia notes, the primary identifier for this specimen remains the Pick P-13c designation and the AU condition grade.