25 bani 1917

Common. While this specific PMG 63 grade achieves a respectable valuation (approximately $67-68 based on 2019 auction data), the denomination and issue are not scarce. eBay price tracking shows consistent market activity across multiple grade levels, with similar examples ranging from $5 to $48 depending on condition. The note was part of a regular issue with adequate circulation, and PMG population data shows at least one variant catalogued for this Pick number, indicating sufficient surviving examples for collector availability.

Issued in 1917 by Romania's Ministry of Finance (Ministerul Finanţelor), this banknote was produced during World War I when Romania was engaged in military conflict. The portrait of King Ferdinand I and the heraldic coat of arms with its national symbols reflect Romania's sovereignty during this tumultuous period. The Latin motto 'Nihil Sine Deo' (Nothing Without God) on the reverse underscores the religious and monarchical authority underpinning the state's financial authority.

The obverse features King Ferdinand I, who ruled Romania from 1914 to 1927, depicted in military uniform with a distinctive mustache, shown in left-facing profile within an ornate rectangular frame with geometric Greek key pattern borders and decorative corner elements. The denomination appears in the bottom corners. The reverse showcases the Romanian coat of arms (a crowned quartered shield) supported by two heraldic lions, which serve as traditional supporters of royal authority. Below the heraldic design is decorative scrollwork and an ornamental circular seal containing the Latin national motto. The overall color scheme is brown and tan on a cream/ivory background, typical of early 20th century currency printing.

FRONT: 'ROMÂNIA' (Romania), 'MINISTERUL FINANŢELOR' (Ministry of Finance), '25' and 'BANI' (25 Bani denomination). BACK: 'BANI DOUĂZECI CINCI' (Twenty-Five Bani in Romanian numerals), 'NIHIL SINE DEO' (Nothing Without God in Latin). The PMG holder includes certification text 'The Official Grading Service of the PNC' and verification URL 'PMGnotes.com/verify', along with the certification barcode '7063019153670700G'.

Letterpress/relief printing, executed by the Serviciul Geografic al Armatei (Geographical Service of the Army), Romania's military printing facility. The note exhibits the characteristic sharp line work, defined geometric borders, and clear registration typical of quality letterpress production from this era. No modern security features are evident, consistent with WWI-era monetary production standards.

Pick number P-70 represents the standard 1917 issue with no reported major varieties documented in the primary catalogues. The visual analysis reveals this to be a straightforward emission without signature varieties, serial number variations, or overprints. As a regular Ministry of Finance issue from a single year with consistent design elements, this note represents the basic catalogued variety without known sub-types.