50 drachmai 1939

Common. While this is an attractive historical note, eBay market data shows consistent sales across all grades with low-grade examples (VF, EF) frequently selling for under $3, and even PMG 66 examples typically realizing $25-50. The substantial price data spanning over a decade demonstrates adequate supply in the market. This is a regular issue from a major central bank with no known short print runs, commemorative status, or recall circumstances that would restrict availability.

Issued in January 1939 by the Bank of Greece (Trapeza tis Ellados), this note represents the final pre-World War II coinage era in Greece, a period when the nation sought to reinforce its classical heritage and cultural identity through numismatic design. The selection of Hesiod, the ancient poet, and the prominent representation of the White Tower—Thessaloniki's most recognizable landmark—reflect Greece's deliberate emphasis on historical continuity and regional pride during a politically turbulent era. The classical frieze motif on the reverse, depicting Poseidon, Apollo, and Artemis in scholarly discourse, further anchored the currency to Greece's mythological and philosophical traditions.

The obverse (front) presents Hesiod (8th-century BCE Greek poet and theologian) in left-facing classical profile within a circular medallion frame, surrounded by ornamental Greek key patterns characteristic of neoclassical design. To the right stands the White Tower (Lefkos Pyrgos) of Thessaloniki, rendered with architectural detail and a sailboat in the foreground, symbolizing both the city's maritime heritage and Greece's connection to its historical centers. The reverse features a sophisticated classical relief scene depicting three robed figures—representing Poseidon, Apollo, and Artemis from the Parthenon frieze tradition—engaged in philosophical discourse, rendered in the finest intaglio tradition. The entire design is dominated by green inks with cream backgrounds, employing intricate parallel line work (hatching) throughout to create depth and security through its technical complexity. Both sides feature formal institutional inscriptions in Greek, with signature lines for the Bank Governor and Director.

FRONT SIDE: '50' (denomination in numerals); 'ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ' (Bank of Greece); 'ΔΡΑΧΜΑΙ' (Drachmai); 'ΠΕΝΤΗΚΟΝΤΑ' (Fifty); 'B-135' (internal reference); '542594' (serial number); 'Β'' (series designation); 'Ο ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΗΣ' (The Governor); 'Ο ΔΙΕΥΘΥΝΤΗΣ' (The Director); date notation indicating 'January 1939' (printing month). BACK SIDE: '50' (denomination); 'ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ' (Bank of Greece); 'ΕΚΔΟΣΙΣ ΔΕΥΤΕΡΑ' (Second Issue); 'ΔΡΑΧΜΑΙ ΠΕΝΤΗΚΟΝΤΑ' (Fifty Drachmai).

High-quality intaglio (engraved) printing, produced by TDLR (Τυπογραφεία των Διατάξεων του Λογαριασμού—the official Greek state security printer identified in the PMG population report). The visual characteristics confirm sophisticated line engraving with fine parallel lines (hatching), complex backgrounds, and classical relief imagery typical of 1930s European central bank production standards. The intricate Greek key borders, finely detailed portrait work, and the elaborate classical frieze demonstrate the highest level of engraving craftsmanship of the era.

This example represents the 'ΕΚΔΟΣΙΣ ΔΕΥΤΕΡΑ' (Second Issue) variety, as noted on the reverse. The catalog designation is P-107cts with printer TDLR. Serial number '542594' with series designation 'Β'' (B-second) suggests this is from a mid-range production batch of the second emission. The 'B-135' reference mark visible on the front may indicate a specific plate or printing session identifier. No overprints or exceptional marking varieties are evident in this example.