5 kroner 1957
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This is a PMG 67 EPQ example of the Norwegian 5 Kroner note from 1957 (Pick P-30c), featuring a striking portrait of Fridtjof Nansen on the obverse and an allegorical fishing/maritime scene on the reverse. The note exhibits exceptional condition with crisp blue and cream-colored printing, sharp details throughout the fine-line engraving, and no signs of circulation or handling—characteristics that justify its near-gem uncirculated grade. This specific grade and variety represent a desirable example for collectors of Scandinavian currency, particularly those focused on the post-war Norwegian banking era.
Common. The 5 Kroner note from the 1955-1963 series was produced in substantial quantities as regular-issue currency of Norway. Catalog value data from 2019 shows VF examples at $17.50 and uncirculated at $65, with recent eBay sales of similar grades (VF-XF) ranging from $3.75 to $6.50, indicating an active but modest secondary market typical of common 20th-century European banknotes. The PMG 67 EPQ grade represents a high-quality preserved example, but the underlying note is not a scarce variety—its value derives from condition rather than rarity of issue.
Issued during the 1955-1963 series by Norges Bank, this 5 Kroner note commemorates Fridtjof Nansen, Norway's celebrated polar explorer, diplomat, and humanitarian who embodied Norwegian achievement and resilience. The reverse design depicting a fishing scene with mountainous Norwegian landscape reflects the importance of fisheries and maritime industries to Norway's post-World War II economy and national identity. The note was produced during a period of economic reconstruction and modernization in Norway, when the country was establishing its independent monetary identity within the Scandinavian banking system.
The obverse features a three-quarter profile portrait of Fridtjof Nansen (1861-1930), the renowned Norwegian explorer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, positioned on the left within an ornate diamond-patterned circular frame. The denomination '5' appears in large numerals in the center with 'FEM KRONER' below, flanked by decorative geometric frames. The reverse depicts an allegorical composition representing Norway's fishing heritage, with a winged allegorical figure (representing prosperity or virtue) in the upper portion, a seated female figure symbolizing Norway or commerce in the center, and a dramatic snow-capped mountain landscape with fjord settlements in the background. The Norwegian heraldic lion emblem appears on both sides within ornamental borders. The entire composition employs fine-line engraving with detailed shading to create depth and deter counterfeiting.
Front side: 'NORGES BANK' (Bank of Norway), '1957' (issue year), '5' (denomination), 'FEM KRONER' (Five Kroner in Norwegian), serial number 'E.3234092' with official signatures. Back side: '5' (denomination, repeated twice), 'KRONER' (Kroner), 'NORGES BANK' (Bank of Norway). All text is in Norwegian, the official language of the issuing authority.
Intaglio (engraved) printing on banknote paper, utilizing multiple color plates to achieve the blue, cream, and gray-blue palette. The fine-line geometric patterns, detailed portraiture, and complex scenic vignette are characteristic of high-security intaglio production typical of Scandinavian banknotes from this era. The note was likely produced by Norges Bank's official printing facilities or contracted security printers specializing in Nordic currency production, employing anti-counterfeiting measures including watermarking and elaborate geometric pattern backgrounds.
This note is cataloged as Pick P-30c, part of the 1955-1963 series with repeated-value watermark. The Pick catalog recognizes variants P-30b, P-30c, P-30d, and P-30s2 for this denomination and period, likely differing by signature combinations, serial number prefixes, or minor design adjustments. The observed serial number prefix 'E' and the specific signature varieties would further identify this within the P-30c classification. The note exhibits the 'E' prefix typical of this variant group as referenced in the external catalog data.