5 drachmai 1941

Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales across multiple grades and years, with ungraded VF examples selling for $1-4 and graded examples (PMG 64-66) selling in the $15-100 range depending on grade and market conditions. The 2016 catalog values of $1.75 (VF) and $8 (UNC) reflect a common, widely available note. While historically significant as wartime occupation currency, this denomination and issue were produced in substantial quantities and remain readily available to collectors.

This note was issued on June 18, 1941, under Legislative Decree No. 193 of June 17, 1941, during Greece's occupation by Nazi Germany in World War II. The classical Greek imagery—specifically the Women of Knossos from the Minoan civilization and the Doric column—reflects the issuing authority's attempt to invoke Greek cultural and architectural heritage despite the political upheaval of the period. The 'Hellenic State' (Ελληνική Πολιτεία) designation represents the German-controlled Greek administration during the occupation years.

The obverse features three classical female profile heads arranged horizontally, representing the Women of Knossos—artistic imagery from Minoan civilization emphasizing Hellenic cultural continuity. The profiles are rendered in high-relief engraving style facing left, with detailed curled hair and classical Greek features. The design is dominated by a large stylized numeral '5' in the center with ornamental spiral scrollwork on both left and right margins, accented by repeating geometric wave motifs forming the bottom border. The color scheme of reddish-brown and tan on cream background adds warmth and classical appeal. The reverse displays two large, highly ornate numerals '5' contained within elaborate oval frames with intricate geometric patterning, separated by a central Doric column—a quintessential element of classical Greek architecture. This symmetric arrangement emphasizes architectural and cultural heritage while providing security through design complexity.

FRONT SIDE: 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΠΟΛΙΤΕΙΑ' (Hellenic State); 'ΣΕΙΡΑ ΚΣΤ' (Series CST); Serial number 419632; 'ΔΡΑΧΜΑΙ' (Drachmai); 'ΠΕΝΤΕ' (Five); 'ΕΝ ΑΘΗΝΑΙΣ' (In Athens); '1941' (year of issue). BACK SIDE: 'ΝΟΜΟΘΕΤΙΚΟΝ ΔΙΑΤΑΓΜΑ ΥΠ' ΑΡΙΘ. 193 ΤΗΣ 17ης ΙΟΥΝΙΟΥ 1941' (Legislative Decree No. 193 of June 17, 1941); 'Η ΠΑΡΑΠΟΙΗΣΙΣ Η ΠΛΑΣΤΟΓΡΑΦΗΣΙΣ ΚΑΙ Η ΕΝ ΓΕΝΗΣΕΙ ΤΗΣ ΠΑΡΑΠΟΙΗΤΟΥ ΚΥΚΛΟΦΟΡΙΑΣ ΤΙΜΩΡΟΥΝΤΑΙ ΚΑΤΑΤΟΝ ΝΟΜΟΝ' (Counterfeiting, forgery and circulation in general of counterfeited [currency] are punished according to the law).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), characteristic of high-security banknote production. The printer was Aspioti-Ellinika (also referenced as Aspiotis-ELKA). The fine line work throughout, including the complex interlocking geometric patterns, spiral ornamental designs, and detailed relief portraiture, are consistent with traditional steel-plate engraving methods used for banknote production in 1941. The precision of the linework and the multi-color registration (black/red and brown on cream/yellow underprint) indicate professional security printing standards.

The observed specimen carries serial number 419632 with series designation 'ΣΕΙΡΑ ΚΣΤ' (Series CST). The 1941 issue date is definitive for this Pick number. Varieties of this note exist primarily in serial number ranges and series designations; however, no major overprints, signature variants, or substantial design variations are known for the 5 Drachmai P-319. The consistent design elements across examples suggest a single printing, though the note saw multiple series designations during its production run.