5000 kronur 1961 specimen
Market Prices
About This Note
This is an exceptional uncirculated specimen of the Iceland 5000 Kronur banknote from 1961, showcasing pristine condition with no visible wear or imperfections. The note features a striking portrait of Einar Benediktsson on the front with purple/lavender security printing, while the reverse displays a dramatic photograph of Dettifoss waterfall with basalt columnar formations and a human figure for scale. As a specimen note with the characteristic 'SPECIMEN' overprint and G0000000 serial number, this represents an important piece of Iceland's mid-twentieth century currency design.
Common. Despite being a specimen note from 1961, the eBay market data shows significant price variance ($3.49 to $249.99 USD for UNC examples), with a 2019 catalogue value of $375. However, the abundance of listings and the prevalence of lower-priced sales indicate this specimen variety remains readily available to collectors. Specimen notes of this era were produced in reasonable quantities, and this particular issue does not show evidence of being especially scarce or from a limited print run.
Issued under Law No. 10 of March 29, 1961, this banknote represents a significant moment in Iceland's monetary modernization during the post-war period. Einar Benediktsson, depicted on the obverse, was a renowned Icelandic poet and cultural figure, reflecting the nation's emphasis on honoring intellectual heritage. The reverse's depiction of Dettifoss, Europe's largest waterfall, symbolizes Iceland's natural majesty and geological significance during a period of national cultural affirmation.
The obverse features a formal portrait of Einar Benediktsson (1864-1954), Iceland's celebrated poet and intellectual, rendered in profile facing right wearing period formal attire with collared shirt. The portrait is positioned at left-center against an elaborate purple/lavender background with intricate guilloche and geometric security patterns. The reverse showcases a high-quality photographic engraving of Dettifoss waterfall, featuring a dramatic cascade with distinctive basalt columnar formations visible on the right side. A human figure is positioned in the lower right for scale, emphasizing the waterfall's impressive dimensions. Both sides display the denomination 5000 in prominent numerals, with 'SPECIMEN' overprints in red on the reverse confirming this note's non-circulating status.
Front Side: '5000' (denomination in numerals); 'SED BANKA ISLANDS' (Central Bank of Iceland); 'FIMM ÞÚSUND KRÓNUR' (Five Thousand Krónur); 'SAMKVÆMT LOGUM NR. 10, 29. MARZ 1961' (According to Law No. 10, 29 March 1961); 'EINAR BENEDIKTSSON' (name of depicted historical figure); 'G0000000' (specimen serial number); 'SPECIMEN' (designation). Back Side: '5000' (denomination in numerals repeated in corners); 'SPECIMEN' (prominent red overprint); 'DETTIFOSS' (name of depicted waterfall landmark).
This note was produced by BWC (Bradbury Wilkinson and Company), a renowned British security printer specializing in banknote production. The printing combines multiple sophisticated techniques including intaglio engraving for the portrait and security patterns, photographic engraving for the landscape imagery on the reverse, and fine-line guilloche work for security purposes. The vibrant purple/lavender coloration and multicolor security printing visible on the obverse reflect advanced mid-twentieth century banknote production standards.
This note is identified as Pick 47s, the specimen variety of the 5000 Kronur 1961 issue. The 's' designation confirms its status as a non-circulating specimen, as evidenced by the 'SPECIMEN' overprint and the standardized G0000000 serial number (repeated twice) visible on both sides. BWC is confirmed as the printer for both the P-47a (regular issue) and P-47s (specimen) variants. No signature variations or date variants are apparent in the specimen examples, as specimen notes typically feature placeholder signature areas shown as blank white circles.
