1000 drachmai 1970

Common. This note remains widely available in the secondary market, with eBay sales data showing regular transactions across multiple condition grades from 2010-2026, with UNC specimens typically selling between $14-$18.50. The catalog reference 2019 values rate UNC examples at only $4, and the consistent, high volume of sales at modest prices indicates this was a substantial print run with no artificial scarcity. No recall or withdrawal issues are documented for this Pick number.

Issued on 1 November 1970 by the Bank of Greece, this note reflects Greece's stabilization period following the military junta's establishment in 1967. The design choices—featuring Zeus, the Amphitheater of Epidaurus, and Hydra Island—emphasize Greece's classical heritage and island identity during a period of cultural nationalism. The payable date inscribed on the obverse (14 November 1970) marks the note's entry into circulation during a transitional era in Greek monetary policy.

The obverse features a left-profile portrait of Zeus (identified by the bearded, curly-haired classical male figure), with the Amphitheater of Epidaurus depicted in the lower right as a classical Greek landmark. The reverse presents a female figure in traditional Greek dress with a white headscarf, representing the spirit of the Hellenic islands, alongside a detailed engraved view of Hydra Island's fortified coastal settlement with its characteristic clustered architecture on elevated terrain overlooking the harbor. Both sides employ ornamental floral borders, decorative denomination frames, and scrollwork characteristic of classical Greek design. The color palette of browns, tans, and beiges with accents of green and orange creates a harmonious, historically appropriate aesthetic.

Front side: 'ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ' (Bank of Greece); 'ΔΡΑΧΜΑΙ ΧΙΛΙΑΙ' (Thousand Drachmai); '1000' (denomination); 'ΠΛΗΡΩΤΕΑΙ ΕΠΙ ΤΗ ΕΜΦΑΝΙΣΕΙ ΕΝ ΑΘΗΝΑΙΣ ΤΗ ΙΔ ΝΟΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ 1970' (Payable upon presentation in Athens on 14 November 1970); Serial number '17Λ 953504'. Back side: 'ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ' (Bank of Greece); '1000' and 'ΔΡΑΧΜΑΙ ΧΙΛΙΑΙ' (Thousand Drachmai); 'ΥΔΡΑ' (Hydra—the island depicted in the landscape).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing) executed by the Idryma Trapezis tis Ellados (Bank of Greece printing facility). The visual analysis confirms the use of fine-line engraving with detailed cross-hatching in backgrounds, intricate geometric patterns in borders, and finely-rendered portrait work—all hallmarks of professional intaglio security printing from this era. The precision of line work and clarity of detail visible in the uncirculated specimen reflects high-quality banknote production standards of the 1970s Greek monetary authority.

This specimen carries the serial number prefix '17Λ' (17 Lambda), indicating a specific printing batch from the 1970 issue. The Pick catalog designation P-198b suggests this is a cataloged variety; P-198a and P-198b likely represent different signatures or minor design variations. The inscribed payable date of 14 November 1970 on the obverse is consistent with the official issuance date of 1 November 1970, with the two-week grace period reflecting standard banking procedures of the era. No overprints or unusual variations are evident in the visual analysis; this represents a standard circulation example from the primary issuance.