5 zlotych 1941
Market Prices
35 salesAbout This Note
This is a pristine AU-graded Polish 5 zlotych note from August 1, 1941, issued by Bank Emisyjny w Polsce during the German occupation. The note features exceptional engraved detail work with portraits of a bearded man and a young woman in ornamental frames, presented in an attractive grayish-blue and cream color scheme. The uncirculated condition with crisp, clear printing throughout and complete absence of wear makes this an attractive example of wartime Polish currency.
Common. This is a regular issue from a major denomination during an active circulation period (1941-1945). eBay transaction data shows consistent trading volume at modest prices: comparable graded specimens (PMG 66) sold for $40-75 in 2018-2019, but more recent sales and lower-grade examples trade for $2-15, indicating healthy supply in the market. The note was produced in substantial quantities during the multi-year occupation period, and surviving examples remain readily available to collectors.
Issued on August 1, 1941, during Poland's occupation by Nazi Germany in World War II, this note represents currency produced under the Bank Emisyjny w Polsce (Emissory Bank in Poland), a German-controlled institution. The formal portraits and ornamental design reflect the cultural heritage and official character the occupying authorities sought to maintain in Polish currency, while the Kraków date indicates production at a key administrative center during the occupation period.
The obverse features two portrait subjects: a bearded man in period clothing with distinctive collar work positioned on the left side, and a young woman with long wavy hair presented in a circular ornamental frame on the right. Both portraits are executed in fine engraved detail characteristic of security printing of the era. The reverse displays a large central ornamental cartouche with bank denomination text, surrounded by elaborate decorative borders incorporating floral rosettes, geometric patterns, and scrollwork throughout. The extensive use of cross-hatching, fine line work, and intricate background patterns serves both aesthetic and security functions. The color palette of grayish-blue, cream, and black printing creates strong contrast and visual hierarchy.
Front side: 'BANK EMISYJNY W POLSCE' (Issuing Bank in Poland), 'PIĘĆ ZŁOTYCH' (Five zlotych), 'KRAKÓW 1.SIERPNIA 1941 R.' (Kraków, August 1, 1941), 'PREZYDENT ZASTĘPCA PREZYDENTA' (President Deputy President), Series designation 'AE', Serial number '2500384', and denomination '5' in corners. Back side: 'BANK EMISYJNY' / 'W POLSCE' (Issuing Bank / In Poland), 'PIĘĆ ZŁOTYCH' (Five zlotych), and denomination '5' in lower corners.
Intaglio engraving (line engraving) on high-quality paper stock. The fine detail work, cross-hatching, geometric security patterns, and precise line definition visible throughout both sides are characteristic of security printing by specialized banknote printers of the era. For Polish notes of this period under German occupation, production was typically handled by Giesecke+Devrient or similar German security printers contracted for occupation currency.
Series AE with serial number 2500384 observed. This note represents the standard 1941 issue dated August 1 from Kraków production. Varieties for Pick P-101 are known to exist based on different series designations (letter combinations) and date variants within the 1941 year. This specific AE series example falls within documented production variants of this type.
