50 bani 1917
Market Prices
15 salesAbout This Note
This is a superbly preserved example of Romania's 1917 50 Bani note, graded PMG 65 Gem Uncirculated with Exceptional Paper Quality. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of King Ferdinand I in military dress, surrounded by an ornate geometric border with Greek key patterns and floral elements characteristic of early 20th-century security printing. The reverse displays the Romanian coat of arms with heraldic supporters beneath the inscription 'BANI CINCIZECI,' all rendered in fine line engraving with meticulous detail work.
Common. Secondary market data shows this note in various grades selling consistently between $5 and $67, with most examples in lower grades (F-EF) selling for under $30. The PMG 65 EPQ grade represents the upper end of typical circulation for this issue, and while the population report indicates only one graded variant, the regular price tracking from 2013-2025 demonstrates steady availability. This was a regular fractional issue for a major European nation during a significant historical period, indicating substantial original print runs.
Issued by Romania's Ministry of Finance in 1917, during World War I when King Ferdinand I was actively leading the nation through its military campaign, this note reflects the state's need for fractional currency to support wartime commerce. The choice of Ferdinand I's portrait in military uniform underscores the martial character of the period, while the coat of arms with the Latin motto 'NIHIL SINE DEO' (Nothing without God) affirms Romania's national identity and Christian heritage during the conflict.
The obverse features King Ferdinand I of Romania depicted in profile facing left, wearing a military uniform with distinctive collar ornamentation, enclosed within an elaborate rectangular frame with Greek key geometric patterns, scrollwork, and floral motifs in the borders. Corner ornaments include circular medallion designs. The reverse presents the Romanian coat of arms—a crowned heraldic shield with quadrants representing the historic regions of Romania, flanked by heraldic eagles or birds as supporters. The same ornate geometric border frame surrounds the arms, maintaining design consistency across both sides. All elements are rendered in fine line engraving with intricate detail work characteristic of security printing.
Front side: 'ROMANIA' (Romania), 'MINISTERUL FINANTELOR' (Ministry of Finance), '50' (50), 'BANI' (Bani), '1917' (1917, appearing twice in side panels). Back side: 'BANI CINCIZECI' (Fifty Bani), 'NIHIL SINE DEO' (Nothing without God), 'SERVICIUL DESCRIERII ARMATEI' (Army Description Service, likely referring to the printer), 'M SC' or 'M' (printer's monogram/mark).
Intaglio (engraved) printing, specifically line engraving, as evidenced by the fine detailed line work, precise geometric patterns, and the high-quality security features throughout. The note was printed by the Serviciul Geografic al Armatei (Geographical Service of the Army), as documented in the external catalog reference, though the visual analysis indicates 'Serviciul Descrierii Armatei' (Army Description Service), which may be a variant nomenclature for the same printer.
The observed note carries serial number 1915367-071 with identifier 7165E1915367071G. The visual analysis indicates 'M SC' or monogram 'M' marking on the reverse, consistent with the printer's identification. The 50 Bani denomination of Pick 69 represents the standard issue; no overprints or exceptional varieties are noted in the visual inspection. The PMG population report indicates one catalogued variant for this Pick number base, suggesting this represents the primary known variety for the 50 Bani 1917 issue.
