5 won 1978
About This Note
This is a North Korean 5 Won note from 1978 (Pick P-19e) in uncirculated condition, featuring two figures in traditional Korean dress on the obverse with an industrial cityscape backdrop, and a dramatic mountainous landscape on the reverse. The note exhibits sharp printing quality with intricate line engraving throughout and displays the characteristic design elements of early DPRK currency, making it a notable example of North Korean numismatic art from the post-war socialist period.
Common. The 1978 North Korean 5 Won note (Pick P-19e) was produced in substantial quantities as a standard circulation denomination and remains commonly available in the modern numismatic market. While North Korean notes have niche collector interest, this particular denomination and date are not documented as scarce or limited-run issues, and UNC examples are regularly encountered in dealer inventories and at reasonable price points.
Issued during the consolidation of North Korea's socialist state under Kim Il-sung's leadership, this 1978 banknote reflects the regime's emphasis on industrialization and national identity through its dual imagery: the industrial cityscape symbolizes socialist economic development and modernization, while the mountainous landscape represents Korea's natural heritage and nationalist symbolism. The circular monument emblem in the upper left likely references important socialist architectural achievements in Pyongyang.
The obverse features two figures representing the Korean people in traditional dress, symbolizing national identity and solidarity within the socialist state, standing before a bustling industrial cityscape that emphasizes the DPRK's commitment to rapid industrialization and economic development. The reverse depicts a mountainous landscape with jagged peaks and forested terrain, representing Korea's natural beauty and territorial integrity. Both sides employ ornamental rosette designs with the numeral '5' positioned in upper right and lower left corners, with a blue decorative emblem bearing the denomination centrally placed on the reverse. Floral vine patterns in green and pink tones frame the lateral margins of the back design. The circular emblem in the upper left of the obverse likely depicts a monument or government building of symbolic importance to the regime.
Front side: '조선민주주의인민공화국' (Democratic People's Republic of Korea), '중앙은행' (Central Bank), '5' (denomination), '원' (Won - currency unit), and serial number '00 144379'. Back side: '조선민주주의인민공화국중앙은행' (Democratic People's Republic of Korea Central Bank), '5' (denomination), '원' (Won - currency unit).
Intaglio engraving (recess printing) using intricate line work and guilloche patterns throughout. The sharp, well-preserved detail visible in the UNC specimen indicates professional security printing, likely produced by North Korea's state printing authority. The complexity of the line engraving, particularly in the background patterns and security features, is characteristic of mid-to-late 20th century socialist banknote production.
The observed serial number '00 144379' indicates this is from an early prefix batch of this printing. North Korean banknotes of this era are known to exist with various serial number prefix combinations. The Pick P-19e designation specifically refers to this 1978 issue; earlier and later 5 Won notes carry different Pick numbers (P-19a through P-19d representing earlier versions from 1947-1977, and P-19f and beyond for subsequent issues). The uncirculated condition and sharp printing quality suggest this specimen is from an early production run without significant quality degradation.
