100 drachmai 1950

Common. This is a post-WWII regular-issue banknote from the Kingdom of Greece with substantial circulation figures. The eBay market data provided shows consistent and regular sales across multiple condition grades from 2010-2024, with UNC examples typically selling in the $4-$13 range, well below the $20 threshold that would indicate scarcity. While professionally graded examples (PMG 64-66) command higher prices ($27-$52), the abundance of sales transactions and the catalogue value of only $20 for UNC condition (2016) confirm this is a common date and denomination. No print run restrictions, recall status, or short-issue indicators apply to this Pick number.

Issued in 1950 by the Kingdom of Greece during the early post-war reconstruction period, this banknote reflects the nation's return to stability under the monarchy after the Greek Civil War (1946-1949). The classical imperial imagery, including the portrait of Constantine (likely Constantine I) and the Byzantine architectural heritage represented by the Koubelidiki Church, served as powerful symbols of Greek cultural continuity and Christian Orthodox identity during this formative period of the modern Greek state.

The obverse features a classical engraved portrait of Emperor Constantine I positioned centrally within an ornate circular medallion frame, rendered in the formal imperial style typical of post-war Greek currency. The portrait is flanked by two fluted Corinthian columns representing classical Greek architectural heritage, with the composition set against a light blue-green background filled with intricate scrollwork borders and decorative corner elements in navy blue and tan. The reverse depicts the Koubelidiki Church (also known as the Church of the Holy Wisdom) located in Kastorias in northern Greece, rendered as a detailed architectural engraving showing the church's distinctive Byzantine dome structure and cylindrical tower set within a mountainous landscape, framed by matching ornate decorative borders. Both sides employ fine-line engraving throughout to create depth and security features, with the denomination '100' prominently displayed in large numerals on the obverse and in decorative oval frames on the reverse.

OBVERSE: 'ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΝ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ' (Kingdom of Greece) — 'ΔΡΑΧΜΑΙ ΕΚΑΤΟΝ' (One Hundred Drachmai) — '100' (denomination) — 'ο ΥΠΟΥΡΓΟΣ ΤΩΝ ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΙΚΩΝ' (The Minister of Economics) — Date and printing notation indicating issuance in Athens on July 10, 1950 — Serial designation 'αα.04' with serial number '703728'. REVERSE: 'ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΝ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ' (Kingdom of Greece) — 'ΔΡΑΧΜΑΙ ΕΚΑΤΟΝ' (One Hundred Drachmai) — '100' (denomination in decorative ovals) — 'ΙΔΡΥΜΑ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ' (Bank of Greece/Institute of Bank of Greece) — Reference to 'ΚΑΣΟΡΙΑΣ' (Kastorias) identifying the depicted church location.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), the standard security printing method for Greek banknotes of this era. The printer was the Bank of Greece (Ιδρυμα Τραπεζησ Ελλαδοσ), as indicated on the reverse. The fine detail work visible throughout—particularly in the portrait medallion, classical columns, architectural rendering, and ornamental borders—demonstrates the high-quality intaglio process characteristic of this period's Greek currency production. The sharp, crisp impression and lack of printing flaws visible in the UNC specimen confirm professional security printing standards.

This specimen displays the standard 1950 issue characteristics for Pick 324a, with serial prefix 'αα.04' and serial number 703728. The visual analysis indicates this note comes from the 1950 printing (as opposed to the 1953 reprinting also catalogued under this Pick number). No significant varieties have been noted for this Pick number in standard references, though minor serial number prefix variations and signature variations may exist across the printing run. The specimen quality and all observable security features are consistent with the standard 1950 issue.