100 kronur 1981
About This Note
This is an exceptionally well-preserved 1981 100 Krónar note from Iceland's Central Bank (Sedlabanki Íslands), graded in uncirculated condition with no visible wear or damage. The front features a striking portrait of Árni Magnússon (1663-1730), the renowned Icelandic scholar and manuscript collector, rendered in fine detail with period dress and shoulder-length curled hair. The reverse depicts two hooded monks engaged in manuscript work in a scriptorium, reflecting Iceland's medieval literary heritage and the scholarly tradition that Magnússon embodied.
Common. The 100 Krónar denomination from Iceland's 1981 issuance series is a standard circulation note that was produced in substantial quantities by the Central Bank. No specific print run limitations, recalls, or production anomalies are known for this Pick number. The note remains common in the collector market today, with uncirculated examples readily available at modest valuations typical of modern Icelandic banknotes from this era.
This note commemorates Árni Magnússon, one of Iceland's most important historical figures, whose life bridged the 17th and early 18th centuries during a period of significant Icelandic cultural preservation. The reverse imagery of monks in a scriptorium directly references Iceland's medieval manuscript tradition and Magnússon's legendary efforts to collect and preserve Icelandic manuscripts, many of which form the foundation of modern Icelandic cultural heritage. Issued in 1981 under the law of 29 March 1961, this denomination reflects the Central Bank's commitment to honoring Iceland's intellectual and literary legacy.
The front portrays Árni Magnússon (1663-1730), Iceland's most celebrated scholar and manuscript collector, in three-quarter profile facing right, depicted with characteristic shoulder-length curled hair and period clothing (dark coat with light-colored shirt and cravat). A prominent ornate oval security design featuring radiating concentric lines in blue, orange, and yellow dominates the center, serving as both a decorative and security element. The denomination '100' appears prominently in large numerals on both the left and right edges. The color scheme employs green, pink/salmon, and cream/beige tones with decorative corner ornaments and heraldic elements. The reverse depicts a detailed engraved scene of two robed monks working at a medieval writing desk in a scriptorium—the left figure writing or reading a document while the right figure assists or observes—symbolizing Iceland's rich manuscript tradition and Magnússon's historical role in preserving these works. An ornate circular medieval-style initial or emblem appears on the lower left. The denomination '100' is repeated on the reverse in the upper right corner.
Front side: '100' (denomination), 'Árni Magnússon' (portrait subject), '1663-1730' (life dates), 'Eitt hundrad króna' (One hundred kronur), 'SAMKVÆMT LÖGUM NR.10' (According to Law No. 10), '29. MARS 1961' (Date: 29 March 1961), 'SEDLABANKI ÍSLANDS' (Central Bank of Iceland), 'c00086592' (serial number), 'Jóhanna Nordal' (signature - likely Governor or official), 'Davíð Ólafsson' (signature - likely official). Back side: '100' (denomination, repeated in multiple locations). The date reference (29 March 1961) indicates the authorizing legislation, while the 1981 year of issue reflects when this particular series was in circulation.
This note was produced using intaglio (copperplate engraving) printing, evidenced by the fine line engraving visible throughout both sides, the sharp detailed portraiture, and the intricate decorative borders and patterns. The ornate security design with radiating colored lines and the detailed scriptorium scene demonstrate the high-quality engraving characteristic of Central European security printers of the period. While specific printer attribution for the Sedlabanki Íslands 100 Krónar series of this era is not definitively confirmed in standard references, Icelandic banknotes of this period were typically produced by De la Rue or similar specialized security printing facilities.
This specific note exhibits serial number 'c00086592' with signatures of Jóhanna Nordal and Davíð Ólafsson. The 'c' prefix on the serial number indicates a particular production run or batch. Variations in this series may exist based on different signature combinations representing different officials serving at the Central Bank during the note's circulation period (1981 onwards). The date printed on the obverse (29 MARS 1961) represents the authorizing legislation date rather than the issue year, which is 1981. No major known varieties (such as overprints, color variations, or design changes) are documented for Pick P-50(1) in standard catalogs.
