20 skilling 1942
Market Prices
10 salesAbout This Note
This is a 1942 Greenland 20 Skilling military payment note issued by Grønlands Administration, presented in uncirculated condition with exceptional preservation. The front features an elegant cream-colored design with green ink printing, centered around a distinctive oval seal bearing the royal crown and flanked by stars, along with large denomination numerals. The note displays crisp, well-defined printing throughout with no visible wear, creases, or foxing on the obverse, making it an excellent example of this wartime scrip currency.
Common. The eBay market data provided shows consistent sales of UNC examples ranging from $35 to $52 over a 12-year period (2012-2022), with PMG-graded examples commanding modest premiums ($68-$88). The 2008 catalog value of $20 UNC, combined with relatively frequent auction appearances and modest pricing, indicates this is a commonly available note among collectors. The military payment note classification and Greenland's postwar economic stability suggest adequate original circulation and preservation of multiple examples.
This trade certificate (Handels Værdimarke) was issued during World War II when Greenland was under Danish administration but effectively isolated from occupied Denmark. The royal crown symbol on the seal reflects Greenland's continued status as a Danish possession, while the issuance of military payment notes indicates the presence of Allied military personnel and economic disruption during the war years. The 1942 date places this note during the critical period of the North Atlantic campaign and American military buildup in the region.
The obverse presents a carefully composed layout with a prominent oval seal occupying the left-center area, featuring a scalloped decorative border and containing a heraldic crown symbol at its center with two six-pointed stars positioned on either side. The seal's upper arc reads 'GRØNLANDS' and lower arc reads 'ADMINISTRATION.' The right portion contains the denomination and issuing authority text in elegant cursive and serif typefaces. An ornamental border frames the entire note. The reverse side appears to have been intentionally left largely blank or minimally decorated, with only a faint crown watermark impression visible in the upper portion and aged discoloration consistent with 80+ year old paper stock.
Front side inscriptions: 'GRØNLANDS ADMINISTRATION' (Greenland's Administration) appears both within the oval seal and as a header; 'Handels Værdimarke' (Trade Certificate/Trade Value Mark); '20' (Twenty, denomination); '20 Skilling' (20 Skilling, full denomination designation); 'GRØNLANDSK ADMINISTRATION' (Greenland's Administration, variant spelling). Back side: Faint marking '05' visible but context unclear due to fading.
The note was produced using intaglio engraving with letterpress elements, evident from the sharp, well-defined line work visible in the oval seal, denominational numerals, and text. The dual-color printing (green and black inks on cream stock) and the crisp impression quality are characteristic of professional security printing of the World War II era. The watermark visible on the reverse indicates the use of specially manufactured watermarked paper, typical of government-issued currency and scrip during this period.
The PMG population report indicates two cataloged variants exist for this Pick number: P-M10 and P-M10s (signature variant). Based on visual analysis, this specific note appears to be a standard P-M10 variety without visible signature variations, though the image resolution prevents definitive determination of any subtle signature or serial number differences. Serial number details, if present, are not legible in the provided images. Collectors should consult Pick's catalog directly or seek PMG/PCGS certification for precise variety identification.
