5 kroner 1945

Common. While this note is from a specialized geographic issue (Greenland) during a historically significant period (WWII), eBay market data shows broad availability across multiple condition grades with numerous listings, including UNC examples regularly appearing. The catalog value of $400 in VG condition and consistent market appearances at modest price points ($200-$400 range for circulated examples) indicate steady supply. Only the rarest variants command premium prices ($900+), and this appears to be a standard type without exceptional scarcity.

This note was issued during World War II when Greenland, while nominally under Danish sovereignty, came under de facto American protection after Denmark's occupation by Nazi Germany. The Grønlands Styrelse (Greenland Administration) issued this currency as a practical necessity to maintain economic function in the isolated territory. The polar bear and heraldic imagery emphasize Greenland's distinct identity and Arctic heritage during a period of unusual autonomy and geopolitical significance.

The obverse features a central circular medallion containing an engraved polar bear standing on Arctic ice with snow-capped mountains visible in the background—imagery emphasizing Greenland's Arctic identity and natural fauna. The polar bear is rendered in fine detail and surrounded by elaborate Baroque-style scrollwork and floral border patterns. Denomination numerals '5' are set within ornamental circular frames at all four corners. The note employs a dark green color scheme with cream offset. The reverse displays the issuing authority's identity through 'GRØNLANDS STYRELSEE' text in a circular arrangement around a central 'GS' monogram. Two heraldic shields flank the center: the left depicts a polar bear in profile (Greenland's symbol), and the right shows three lions (representing Denmark's connection). Both shields are crowned with ornamental crowns. The background consists of fine radiating lines creating visual complexity and security depth. The overall design is symmetrical and hierarchical, emphasizing official authority.

FRONT: 'Strændinds' and 'Styrelseg' (partial corner text); Serial number '195034'; 'Denne Anvisning gælder ved Handelsstderne i Grønland for' (This note is valid with the trading stations in Greenland for); 'KRONER' appears in denomination circles; Signatures of 'Okkansen' and 'Ole Pedersen'; Numeral '5'. BACK: 'GRØNLANDS STYRELSEE' (Greenland's Administration) curves around the central design; 'GS' (initials for Grønlands Styrelsee) in large letters; 'KRONER' repeated four times in corner circles; Numeral '5'.

Steel plate engraving (intaglio printing), evidenced by the fine line work, intricate border patterns, radiating background lines, and the high definition of the polar bear and heraldic details. The complexity of the engraved lines throughout both sides creates security through design difficulty. No printer attribution is definitively established in standard catalogs for this Pick number, though Greenlandic currency of this period was typically produced by the Danish State Printer or affiliated security printers.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-15A, representing one of seven known variants for the base Pick-15 number. The visual analysis shows serial number '195034' and signatures identified as 'Okkansen' and 'Ole Pedersen'. The catalog reference notes the distinction of 'full printing over whole area on front' versus similar notes with white margins on the front, which may indicate this is the full-print variant. PMG has identified variants P-15Aa through P-15f, potentially representing differences in signature combinations, serial number ranges, or printing characteristics. Without access to the complete PMG population data for each variant, the specific variety designation within the P-15 family cannot be definitively confirmed from the visual evidence alone, though P-15A is the stated Pick designation.