25 kronur 1957
Market Prices
14 salesAbout This Note
This is an exceptionally well-preserved example of Iceland's 1957 25 Króna note, presented in uncirculated condition with sharp, crisp engraving throughout. The front features a distinguished portrait of Magnús Stephensen alongside a detailed harbor scene of Ísafjörður, while the reverse showcases the dramatic basaltic rock formations and fishing harbor of Vestmannaeyjar. The purple and multicolor palette, combined with the fine line engraving work and absence of any wear or circulation marks, makes this a desirable specimen for collectors of Nordic banknotes.
Common. Despite being over 65 years old, this denomination and type are readily available in the collector market. eBay price tracking data shows consistent sales of uncirculated examples in the $7-15 range (2009-2024), with even professionally graded PMG 67 examples selling in the $19-42 range. The 2016 catalog value for UNC examples was $15. The absence of any documented supply scarcity, combined with moderate market pricing typical of common Nordic notes, indicates this is a standard issue note without rarity premium.
Issued on June 21, 1957, this note represents Iceland's mid-20th century currency period under Landsbanki Íslands. The choice of Magnús Stephensen, a prominent Icelandic lawyer and historical figure, reflects the nation's emphasis on honoring cultural and legal heritage during the post-independence era. The scenic reverse depicting Vestmannaeyjar's fishing harbor emphasizes Iceland's maritime economy and the Westman Islands' importance as a major fishing center during this period.
The obverse features a three-quarter portrait of Magnús Stephensen positioned at the left in formal 19th-century dress with characteristic striped collar detail, rendered in fine engraving technique. The central composition depicts the coastal harbor of Ísafjörður in Skutulsfjörður (Harpoon Fjord), with multiple sailing vessels and mountainous terrain integrated into the landscape. Ornamental decorative borders with X-shaped geometric patterns frame the left and right margins, while a stylized globe design appears near the top center. The reverse showcases the Vestmannaeyjar harbor scene, dominated by towering basaltic sea stacks and coastal cliffs characteristic of Iceland's volcanic geology, with a busy fishing harbor below populated with multiple vessels. Corner emblems with geometric designs provide framing, and decorative denomination cartouches appear in the top corners.
Front side: 'LANDSBANKI ISLANDS SEDLABANKINN' (Central Bank of Iceland); 'TUTTUGU OG FIMM KRÓNI' (Twenty and five Króna); 'ÚTGEFMT TOGUM NR. 62 21. JUNI 1957' (Issued No. 62, June 21, 1957); 'MAGNUS STEPHENSEN, LOGMADUR' (Magnús Stephensen, official/lawyer); 'ISAFJOÐUR' (Ísafjörður); Serial number 'C1139665'; Denomination '25'. Back side: '25' (denomination); 'VESTMANNAEYJAR' (Westman Islands).
Intaglio (engraved) printing on multicolor underprint, executed by BWC (Bradbury Wilkinson & Company) without imprint mark, as confirmed by catalog references. The fine line engraving work visible in both portraits and landscape details, combined with the precise color registration across the multicolor underprint, indicates the sophisticated engraving and printing capability typical of BWC's banknote production.
This note corresponds to Pick-39a variant with BWC printer attribution. The visual analysis confirms the printer mark absence typical of this variant. The serial number prefix 'C' and issue number '62' are consistent with standard production batches. No overprints, date variations, or signature variants are evident in this example. PMG population reports indicate only one catalogued variant (P-39a) for this Pick number, suggesting no major varieties exist for this issue.
