5 markkaa 1945
Market Prices
10 salesAbout This Note
This 1945 Finnish 5 markkaa note presents in VF condition with warm orange-tan coloring and well-preserved engraving throughout. The note features a striking central oak tree on the obverse within an ornamental circular frame and the Finnish coat of arms (lion shield) on the reverse, both rendered in fine detail characteristic of mid-20th century Bank of Finland currency. The serial number B44541769 and handwritten signatures visible on the note add authentic period character, though the catalog pricing of $3 in VF suggests this remains a common, readily available denomination from the 1945 issue despite its historical significance.
Common. The 1945 5 markkaa is a standard regular-issue denomination that circulated widely. Catalog values from 2016 list VF examples at only $3, and eBay sales data shows F-grade examples consistently selling for $2-7 range, with even PMG-graded higher grades (66-67) selling in the $20-69 range, indicating healthy supply. No evidence of a limited print run, early recall, or scarcity factors applies to this Pick number.
Issued in 1945 as Finland was transitioning from wartime to post-war recovery, this banknote reflects the nation's identity through deliberately chosen national symbols. The oak tree depicted on the obverse symbolizes strength and permanence in Finnish culture, while the heraldic lion on the reverse represents the continuity of Finnish sovereignty during a period of significant geopolitical change in Northern Europe.
The obverse features an architecturally balanced composition with symmetrical ornamental borders containing repeating floral and scroll patterns flanking a central circular vignette. Within this frame stands an oak tree—a potent national symbol in Finnish heraldry—rendered in fine engraved detail. Denomination numerals '5' appear prominently in all four corners. The reverse maintains the same ornamental border vocabulary and presents the Finnish coat of arms (a rampant lion within a protective heraldic shield), centrally positioned and flanked by large denomination numerals '5' in rectangular cartouches at the lower corners. The color palette of warm orange and tan tones was typical of Bank of Finland productions of this era.
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), '1945' (year of issue), 'B44541769' (serial number, appears twice), 'Liill. A' (printer identification). Back side: '5' (denomination marker, appears twice in rectangular frames at bottom corners).
Intaglio/engraved steel plate printing, the standard security printing method for Bank of Finland banknotes of this period. The fine line work, precise borders, and detailed pictorial elements visible throughout the note confirm traditional engraving techniques. The notation 'Liill. A' likely indicates the printing house or engraver involved in production; specific attribution to a named security printer is not definitively established from the visual evidence alone.
This specimen carries serial number B44541769 with the 'B' prefix, which denotes a specific print batch. The 1945 date and 'Liill. A' printer identification are consistent with the main issue. Minor varieties within the 1945 series may exist related to different printer designations or serial number prefix sequences, but without comprehensive reference material on all prefix variations, specific variety classification cannot be definitively stated. The handwritten signatures visible on this example are standard for notes of this era and do not constitute a distinct variety.
