100 drachmai 1941

Common. While this is a specialized military occupation currency with limited geographic circulation (Ionian Islands only), the eBay market data provided shows consistent sales across a wide range of prices ($1.50 to $93) with numerous examples reaching the market across multiple years (2012-2025). The abundance of price points and regular sales indicates adequate supply in the collector market. Notes in EF condition typically sell in the $15-26 range based on recent market data, which is well within the 'common' category for militaria and occupation currencies. The print run for this denomination was sufficient to produce regular market availability.

Issued by Biglietti Corso Legale per le Isole Jonie (Legal Tender Banknotes for the Ionian Islands), this 1941 note was produced during the Axis occupation of Greece. The bilingual Italian-Greek inscriptions and issuing authority reflect the complex political situation of occupied Greece, where the Ionian Islands fell under Italian administrative control. The classical Greek design elements—including the meander patterns and classical portrait—represent an attempt to legitimize the occupation currency through appeal to Greek cultural heritage while the Italian language and governance framework asserted administrative authority.

The obverse features a classical Greek bearded male portrait in profile facing right, rendered in fine engraving detail within an oval frame. This portrait likely represents a classical Greek figure or deity, chosen to evoke Greek historical and cultural legitimacy. The portrait is surrounded by ornate Hellenic design elements including repeated Greek meander (key pattern) borders and decorative shell and scroll motifs—all characteristic of classical Greek architectural and artistic traditions. The reverse displays a large central denomination '100' within an ornate circular rosette or scalloped design filled with fine crosshatching, surrounded by matching meander patterns and classical ornamental borders. Corner denominations appear in all four corners. The bilingual presentation (Italian authority with Greek cultural symbolism) and fine engraving throughout reflect the sophisticated security standards of wartime occupation currency. Serial numbers appear on the reverse right edge.

FRONT SIDE: 'BIGLIETTO & CORSO LEGALE PER LE ISOLE JONI' (Banknote and Legal Tender for the Ionian Islands) | 'DRACHME' (Drachmas) | '100' (denomination in numerals) | 'ΧΑΡΤΟΝΟΜΙΣΜΑ ΕΧΟΝ ΝΟΜΙΜΟΝ ΚΥΚΛΟΦΟΡΙΑΝ ΕΝ TAIS IONIKHIS NHSOIS' (Authorized currency in circulation in the Ionian Islands - Greek) | 'ΔΡΑΧΜΑΙ' (Drachmas - Greek) | 'IL TESORIERE' (The Treasurer - Italian) | BACK SIDE: '100' (large central denomination) | '100' (corner denominations) | Serial number segments: '0005' and '404369'

Intaglio engraving (steel plate engraving) as evidenced by the fine line work, sharp portrait detail, intricate crosshatching in the rosette design, and crisp border patterns. The consistent depth and clarity of impression, fine gradations in shading, and the precision of the meander patterns are all characteristic of high-quality intaglio work. The printer for this Ionian Islands currency issue was typically an Italian security printer, though specific attribution would require archival research. The engraving quality suggests professional security printing standards consistent with 1941 wartime currency production.

Serial number 0005/404369 is visible on this example. Varieties for Pick P-M15 typically include different serial number prefixes and ranges. The specific issuing authority and date of 1941 are confirmed. No significant printing varieties (such as color shifts, overprints, or signature variants) are evident from the visual analysis. Collectors should note serial number ranges and any visible printer's marks or date variations if examining multiple examples for specialized collections.