100 000 B- pengö 1946
Market Prices
50 salesAbout This Note
This is a splendid example of the Hungarian 100,000 B.-Pengö issued June 3, 1946, presented in AU condition with pristine, uncirculated appearance. The note features elegant Art Deco styling with maroon and burgundy coloring, displaying a classically-draped female portrait on the obverse and the Hungarian coat of arms on the reverse, both rendered in fine engraved detail. This hyperinflation-era denomination represents a fascinating chapter in post-WWII Hungarian monetary history, combining artistic merit with historical significance.
Common. The eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $2-$48 range depending on condition, with VF examples regularly selling for $8-$37 and AU/UNC examples for $17-$48. The high volume of sales transactions over multiple years and the wide price range by condition indicate substantial availability in the collector market. This denomination, while part of Hungary's hyperinflation period, was produced in sufficient quantities to remain readily obtainable by numismatists.
Issued during Hungary's severe post-war hyperinflation crisis following World War II, this 100,000 B.-Pengö note (equivalent to 100 quintillion pengö) represents the Magyar Nemzeti Bank's desperate attempt to manage currency collapse in 1946. The classical female portrait and national coat of arms symbolize Hungary's national identity and sovereignty during reconstruction, while the 'B' designation indicates this was part of the 'B-pengö' series introduced as a temporary currency measure before the eventual introduction of the forint in 1946-1947.
The obverse features an ornate Art Deco composition centered on a classically-dressed female figure—representing either a personification of Hungary or a generic allegorical figure—positioned within an elaborate circular frame on the right side. The denomination appears at top and bottom, framed by decorative 'B' markers in ornamental squares at all four corners. The reverse displays the Hungarian coat of arms (featuring the Hungarian shield with its characteristic heraldic elements, surmounted by a crown) as the primary focal point, flanked by oak and laurel wreaths symbolizing strength and honor. Both sides employ symmetrical geometric borders, intricate floral rosettes, and fine scrollwork characteristic of high-security banknote design from this period.
FRONT: '100000' (numeric), 'SZÁZEZER B-PENGÖ' (One Hundred Thousand B-Pengö), 'BUDAPEST, 1946. ÉVI JÚNIUS HÓ 3-ÁN' (Budapest, June 3rd, 1946), 'MAGYAR NEMZETI BANK' (Hungarian National Bank), 'ELNÖK' (President), 'HÖTANÁCSOS' (Privy Councillor), 'VEZÉRIGAZGATÓ' (Director General), 'A BANKJEGYHAMÍSÍTÁST A TÖRVÉNY BÜNTET' (Counterfeiting of banknotes is punished by law). BACK: '100000' (numeric), 'SZÁZEZER B-PENGÖ' (One Hundred Thousand B-Pengö) [appears twice on reverse].
Intaglio engraving (copper/steel plate printing), evidenced by the fine line work, complex background patterns, and layered geometric designs visible throughout both obverse and reverse. The security features include extensive fine-line engraving, intricate pattern work, and multiple decorative layers typical of Hungarian banknote production under Magyar Nemzeti Bank oversight. The precision of the portrait rendering and the complexity of the heraldic representation confirm professional security printing standards of the period.
Pick P-133 represents the standard 100,000 B.-Pengö variety issued June 3, 1946. The visual analysis indicates no serial numbers are present on this example, consistent with the noted characteristic 'Without serial number' for this issue type. The 'B' designation appearing in decorative squares throughout the design is a defining feature of the B-pengö series. PMG population data shows minimal professional grading activity, suggesting most examples in the numismatic market remain ungraded by major third-party certification services.
