5 marek 1919

Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $3–$16 range across multiple condition grades (VF to AUNC) over a 15-year period, with catalog values listing VF at $7 and UNC at $15 as of 2016. The frequency of market appearances, moderate price points, and the fact that this was a regular issue of the Polish National Loan Bank all indicate this note was produced in substantial quantities and remains readily available to collectors. The AU condition grade specified here aligns with mid-range pricing observed in recent sales.

Issued by the Polska Krajowa Kasa Pożyczkowa (Polish National Loan Bank) on August 23, 1919, this note represents the transitional currency of the newly independent Polish state following World War I and the partition period. The depicted white eagle—the symbol of Polish sovereignty—and the invocation of state responsibility for currency exchange reflect Poland's effort to establish monetary authority and legitimacy during a period of territorial consolidation and reconstruction. The legal text's emphasis on counterfeiting penalties underscores the state's determination to protect its nascent monetary system during a period of significant economic and political reorganization.

The obverse features the white eagle coat of arms of the Polish state positioned prominently on the left side, accompanied by a right-facing profile portrait of Tadeusz Kościuszko, the renowned Polish military commander and national hero, positioned within a decorative frame on the right. The design employs elaborate baroque-style ornamental scrollwork and floral motifs in the corners and borders, with a distinctive reddish-brown scalloped edge pattern framing the entire note. The dominant color palette of dark green on a cream/beige and reddish-brown underprint creates visual hierarchy and security through chromatic complexity. The reverse continues the decorative theme with an even more elaborate baroque ornamental design, again featuring the crowned white eagle centered on the note, surrounded by heraldic birds and intricate scrollwork. Denominational numerals appear in multiple corners, and the legal counterfeiting warning text is prominently displayed. The series designation 'II Seria I' and serial number 074247 are positioned in the lower corners.

FRONT: 'POLSKA KRAJOWA' (Polish Kingdom/State); 'PIĘĆ MAREK POLSKICH' (Five Polish Marks); 'PAŃSTWO POLSKIE BIERZE NA SIEBIE ODPOWIEDZIALNOŚĆ ZA WYMIANĘ NINIEJSZEGO BILETU NA PRZYSZŁĄ WALUTĘ POLSKĄ KTÓREGO POLSKI AKTÓW STANOWIACZE KTÓRZY DLA MAREK POLSKICH UCHWALI SIĘ JIM USTAWODAWCZĘ' (The Polish State assumes responsibility for the exchange of this banknote for future Polish currency, which Polish legislative acts for Polish Marks shall establish); 'WARSZAWA, DNIA 23 SIERPNIA 1919 ROKU' (Warsaw, August 23, 1919); 'DYREKCJA POLSKIEJ KRAJOWEJ KASY POŻYCZKOWEJ' (Direction of the Polish National Loan Bank); 'SKARBNIK GŁÓWNY' (Chief Treasurer). BACK: '5' (Five); 'KTO PODRABI LUB FAŁSZUJE BILETY POD POLSKIEJ KRAJOWEJ KASY POŻYCZKOWEJ ALBO PUSZCZA W OBIEG LUB USUUJE PUSCIĆ W OBIEG PODROBIONIE LUB FAŁSZOWANE BILETY, PODLEGA KARZE UDZIELONEGO WIĘZIENIA' (Whoever counterfeits or falsifies banknotes under the Polish National Loan Bank or puts them into circulation or attempts to put forged or falsified banknotes into circulation is subject to imprisonment penalty); 'II Seria I' (Series II, Series I); '№ 074247' (Serial Number 074247).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing), evidenced by the sharp, fine-line definition of the ornamental patterns, portrait details, and the characteristic depth of impression visible in the image. The intricate baroque decorative elements and crisp serif typography are consistent with high-quality steel engraving techniques employed by European security printers of the period. The multi-color printing required sequential passes to achieve the green and brown color combination. No specific printer attribution is definitively established in standard catalogs for this issue, though it reflects the capabilities of major European security printing establishments active in post-WWI Poland.

The note exhibits 'II Seria I' (Series II, Series I) designation and carries serial number 074247. Realbanknotes.com references two serial number varieties for this issue. The Pick catalog (P-24s) recognizes one primary variant, though the dual-series designation suggests multiple printings or series were produced. The specific variety here is determined by the series marking and serial number characteristics visible on this example, consistent with documented multiple-series production runs typical of transitional currency issues.