5000 kronur 1961
About This Note
This is an exceptional example of Iceland's 1961 5000 kronur note (Pick P-47(6)) in uncirculated condition, featuring a striking portrait of Einar Benediktsson on the obverse rendered in mauve and pink tones. The reverse showcases a dramatic engraved landscape of Dettifoss waterfall with a human figure providing scale, all executed in fine detail with excellent preservation showing no wear, creases, or circulation damage.
Common. This is a standard circulation-issue banknote from a major denomination of Iceland's mid-20th century currency series. While notes from 1961 are now over 60 years old, the print run for this denomination and date was substantial, and examples in uncirculated condition remain readily available in the numismatic market. The UNC grade is relatively common for preserved examples of this series.
Issued on March 29, 1961, under Law No. 10 by Sedlabanki Islands (Central Bank of Iceland), this note commemorates two significant aspects of Icelandic identity: Einar Benediktsson (1856-1938), a revered Icelandic poet and literary figure, and Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, reflecting Iceland's cultural heritage and natural grandeur during the post-independence period. The 1961 date marks a period of economic development and national consolidation in Iceland's early decades as a sovereign nation.
The obverse features a left-facing profile portrait of Einar Benediktsson, Iceland's celebrated poet, rendered in fine engraving against a pink-mauve background with geometric rosette patterns in the center. The reverse depicts Dettifoss waterfall in a detailed landscape composition with multiple tiers of cascading water flowing over dramatic basalt cliff formations, with a human figure in the lower right for scale. Both sides display ornamental borders and denomination numerals in corner boxes, with the entire design executed through high-quality engraving techniques characteristic of professional currency production.
FRONT: '5000' (denomination, top left and right corners); 'SEDLABANKI ISLANDS' (Central Bank of Iceland); 'FIMM ÞÚSUND KRÓNUR' (Five Thousand Kronur); 'SAMKÆMT LOGUM NR. 10, 29. MARZ 1961' (According to Law No. 10, 29 March 1961); 'G 6960993' (Serial number); 'EINAR BENEDIKTSSON' (Portrait subject identification). BACK: '5000' (denomination, top left and bottom right); 'DETTIFOSS' (Waterfall identification).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), the standard security printing method for banknotes of this era. The fine line work, intricate geometric patterns, complex border designs, and detailed landscape rendering visible in the Dettifoss scene are characteristic of intaglio production. The note was likely produced by a European security printer, though the specific printer for this Icelandic Central Bank issue is not definitively identified in available records.
Pick P-47(6) denotes the sixth issue/variety of this denomination from the 1961 series. The serial number visible (G 6960993) indicates this specimen carries the 'G' prefix characteristic of notes from this printing batch. No overprints or unusual security features distinguishing major varieties are apparent from the visual analysis provided.
