25 000 000 drachmai 1944
About This Note
This is a Greek 25,000,000 drachmai banknote from August 10, 1944, issued during the final stages of World War II and the German occupation of Greece. The note displays exceptional condition (AU grade) with crisp, well-defined ornamental designs featuring classical portrait medallions and elaborate baroque-style numerals in teal and black. The fine geometric patterns, crosshatching, and decorative borders remain sharp and clear, reflecting the skilled engraving work of this hyperinflation-era emergency currency.
Common. Greek hyperinflation-era banknotes from 1944, particularly high-denomination emergency issues like this 25-million drachmai note, were produced in substantial quantities to meet the monetary collapse crisis. These notes were widely circulated and many survive in various conditions. The AU grade observed is not exceptionally uncommon for this issue, as many examples survived in reasonable condition due to their brief circulation period before currency reform. No specific rarity premium applies to Pick 130a(1).
This banknote was issued during the final months of Nazi occupation in Greece (1941-1944), a period marked by severe hyperinflation and economic collapse. The extremely high denomination (25 million drachmai) reflects the devaluation of the Greek currency during this period. The classical imagery and formal Bank of Greece inscriptions ('Trapeza tis Ellados') maintained institutional legitimacy even as the currency lost purchasing power, representing Greece's attempt to stabilize its economy in the chaotic transition period before liberation in October 1944.
The front features a symmetrical design with classical Greco-Roman profile portraits in circular medallions positioned on the left and right sides, representing allegorical or historical figures appropriate to Greek monetary tradition. The central focus is an ornately rendered numeral '25' in elaborate baroque-style ornamentation. The back displays the denomination again as '25 ΕΚΑΤΟΜΜΥΡΙΑ' (25 Million) centered within an ornamental frame, with scrollwork and floral motifs in all four corners. Both sides feature repeating geometric border patterns and fine mesh/crosshatch background work typical of security printing of the era. The teal-green and black color scheme on cream paper creates strong visual contrast and prevents counterfeiting through color complexity.
FRONT: 'ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ' (Bank of Greece) / 'ΔΡΑΧΜΑΙ' (Drachma) / 'ΕΙΚΟΣΙ ΠΕΝΤΕ ΕΚΑΤΟΜΜΥΡΙΑ' (Twenty-Five Million) / 'ΕΝ ΑΘΗΝΑΙ ΤΗ ΙΟΣ ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΟΥ 1944' (In Athens on the Tenth of August 1944) / 'ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΗΣ' (Governor) / Serial number 'ΑΖ 0241978'. BACK: 'ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ' (Bank of Greece) / 'ΕΚΑΤΟΜΜΥΡΙΑ' (Million) / 'ΕΚΔΟΣΗΣ ΠΡΩΤΗ' (First Edition/First Issue).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), evidenced by the fine, precise line work visible in the geometric patterns, portrait details, and ornamental designs. The deep crosshatching and mesh patterns characteristic of security printing are clearly visible throughout, along with the sharp, crisp definition of all decorative elements. This is consistent with high-security banknote production standards employed by the Bank of Greece during this period. The printer for this issue was the Bank of Greece's internal security printing facilities.
This note is identified as Pick-130a(1), indicating the first main variety. The serial number prefix 'ΑΖ' and the specific date of August 10, 1944 are consistent with the primary 1944 issue. The 'ΕΚΔΟΣΗΣ ΠΡΩΤΗ' (First Edition) notation on the back confirms this is the initial printing. No overprints or signature varieties are apparent in the visual analysis. Standard varieties for this Pick number may include different serial number prefixes or signature variants, but this example represents the standard first edition.
