5 markkaa 1945

Common. The eBay market data shows consistent sales ranging from $2.25 to $69 USD, with most ungraded or lower-grade examples selling for under $15. The 2016 catalog value for UNC condition was only $8. The 1945 5 markkaa was produced in substantial quantities and remains readily available in the market. The AU condition grade is relatively common for this denomination and date, evidenced by multiple PMG-graded sales in the $20-57 range. No evidence of restricted print runs or scarcity factors applies to this Pick number.

Issued in 1945, this note represents Finland's currency in the immediate post-World War II period, a transitional year for the nation following the Continuation War. The prominent oak tree and heraldic lion symbolized Finnish national identity and continuity during this significant historical juncture. The dual-language presentation in Finnish and Swedish reflects the bilingual character of the Finnish state and its administrative heritage.

The obverse features a majestic oak tree (not a fir tree as sometimes cataloged) as the central design element, positioned within a circular ornamental frame. The denomination '5' appears in decorative ovals at all four corners of the note. Bilingual text identifying the issuer and denomination runs along both the left (Finnish) and right (Swedish) sides. Two handwritten signatures of authorized Bank officials appear in the center area. The reverse displays the coat of arms of Finland — a lion rampant (standing on hind legs) within a heraldic shield, depicted with vertical line hatching and intricate detail work. Large ornamental numerals '5' occupy the left and right sides of the reverse. The entire design is framed with repeating decorative border patterns on both sides of the note.

Front side: 'SUOMEN PANKKI' (Bank of Finland in Finnish), 'VIISI MARKKAA' (Five marks in Finnish), 'FINLANDS BANK' (Bank of Finland in Swedish), 'FEM MARK' (Five marks in Swedish), 'LIII. A' (Series designation, Series 53 A), '1945' (Year of issue), Serial numbers 'A0150026' and 'A0450026', with two handwritten authorized signatures. Back side: Large numeral '5' positioned on left and right sides (denomination indicator). The note contains no additional text inscriptions on the reverse, relying on heraldic symbolism.

This note was produced using intaglio (copperplate) printing, evidenced by the fine mesh crosshatch background patterns, the sharp definition of the intricate ornamental borders, and the crisp rendering of the heraldic lion and oak tree imagery. The security features, including the complex linework and background patterns, are characteristic of high-security intaglio production. The note was printed by the Suomen Pankki's official printing facilities, which contracted with established security printers for Finnish currency production during this period.

This example is identified as Series LIII.A (Series 53 A) based on the inscription observed on the obverse. The serial numbers A0150026 and A0450026 indicate this is from a standard production batch. The note bears two handwritten signatures of Bank officials, characteristic of Finnish currency of this era, though the specific signatory names are not clearly legible in the images. Known varieties of the 1945 5 markkaa typically relate to signature variations and minor serial number ranges; this appears to be a standard variety without notable overprints or design modifications.