500 markkaa 1945
About This Note
This 500 markkaa note from 1945 (Pick P-89(3)) features a striking allegorical composition on the obverse with multiple classical-style figures in blue ink on a tan background, paired with Finland's heraldic lion rampant on the reverse. The note exhibits fair condition (F grade) with visible circulation wear including fold lines and creases, along with age-related yellowing, though the engraved designs and text remain clearly legible—a representative example of Finland's mid-war currency.
Common. The 1945 500 markkaa denomination was part of Finland's standard circulation currency issued during post-war recovery. No evidence of restricted print runs, recall operations, or short-lived issuing periods exists for this Pick number. Fair condition examples of this note type appear regularly in the market at modest valuations typical of common mid-20th century European banknotes.
Issued in 1945 during the final year of World War II, this note reflects Finland's complex wartime position and post-war currency stabilization efforts by Suomen Pankki. The allegorical imagery on the obverse represents classical Finnish cultural values, while the lion rampant coat of arms on the reverse affirms Finnish sovereignty and national identity during the reconstruction period following the Winter War and Continuation War.
The obverse features an ornate engraved border with repeating leaf and wheat pattern motifs framing a classical allegorical composition of approximately 8-10 human figures in various poses, rendered in the neoclassical style typical of Finnish bank note design of this era. The figures appear to represent virtues or national concepts. A blank shield cartouche is positioned in the lower right. The reverse displays Finland's national coat of arms—a lion rampant within a heraldic shield—centered and surrounded by similar decorative geometric and botanical border patterns. The denomination '500' is positioned in large outlined numerals in the corners of both sides.
Front side: 'SUOMEN PANKKI' / 'FINLANDS BANK' (Bank of Finland in Finnish and Swedish); 'VIISISATAA MARKKAA' / 'FEMHUNDRA MARK' (Five hundred marks in Finnish and Swedish); '500' (denomination); 'Litt. B' (printing designation); '1945' (year of issue); 'D505011' (serial number). Back side: '500' (denomination, appears twice in lower corners); '1945' (year of issue).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), the standard security printing method for Finnish banknotes of this period. The fine line work visible in both the allegorical vignette and the heraldic lion design, combined with the intricate repetitive border patterns, are characteristic of intaglio production. The note was likely produced by Suomen Pankki's security printing division or contracted security printer—specific attribution would require additional documentation beyond the visible design elements.
This note is identified as Pick P-89(3), indicating it is the third cataloged variety of the 1945 500 markkaa issue. The serial number D505011 and the presence of 'Litt. B' designation suggest this belongs to a specific printing lot or letter series. Varieties of this issue typically exist based on signature combinations, serial number prefixes, and printing letter designations; the 'Litt. B' designation is a key identifier for variety classification.
