500 lei 1942

Common. This note, while from the World War II era, was issued in substantial quantities over a three-year period (1940-1943) by the Banca Națională a României as a regular issue denomination. eBay market data shows consistent availability with prices ranging from under $1 to approximately $140 depending on condition and professional grading, with most circulated examples trading in the $5-$30 range. UNC examples regularly appear in the $10-$25 range, confirming reliable market supply. No evidence of limited print runs or early withdrawal from circulation exists. The note remains readily available to collectors at modest prices.

Issued by the Banca Națională a României between November 1940 and January 1943, this note was produced during Romania's tumultuous World War II period under the Antonescu regime. The inclusion of Peleș Castle—the iconic royal residence in Sinaia—reflects Romania's national symbolism and monarchical heritage, while the allegorical female figures on the obverse represent broader concepts of national identity and prosperity during a period of significant political and military upheaval.

The obverse features two classical female allegorical figures representing national virtues or prosperity, positioned in an ornate oval medallion on the left side of the note. The Romanian coat of arms—displaying heraldic imagery including a shield with crown—is centered at the top, emphasizing state authority. A band of decorative floral and botanical patterns in greenish-yellow runs through the center. The reverse showcases Peleș Castle (Castelul Peleș), the renowned royal palace situated in Sinaia, depicted with Gothic architectural details, multiple towers and spires, a flag, and set within a forested mountainous landscape with coniferous trees. The castle illustration is rendered by engraver E. Gaspé with fine detail work characteristic of high-quality banknote production. Fine geometric border patterns frame both sides, serving both aesthetic and security purposes.

Front side: 'BANCA NATIONALA A ROMANIEI' (National Bank of Romania), 'CINCI SUTE LEI' (Five Hundred Lei), '19·IV·20·42' (Date: April 19-20, 1942), 'GUVERNATOR' (Governor), 'CASIER CENTRAL' (Central Cashier), signatures of 'Miltescu' (Governor) and 'R. Banu' (Central Cashier), serial number 'H₁₀0495189'. Back side: 'ROMANIA' (Romania), '500' (denomination), 'E. GASPÉ SC.' (Engraver: E. Gaspé), 'FALSIFICATORI ACESTUI BILET VOR FI PEDEPSITI CONFORM LEGILOR PENALE' (Counterfeiters of this banknote will be punished according to penal laws), 'FALSE COMPLICIT LOR, PRECUM SI ACEI CARI VOR FI INCEDAT A COMITE AREMENA FACTE VOR FI PEDEPSITI CONFORM LEGILOR PENALE' (Accomplices to counterfeiting, as well as those found committing similar acts, will be punished according to penal laws).

Intaglio/engraved printing with fine line work throughout. The note exhibits the hallmarks of traditional banknote engraving used by the Banca Națională a României during this period—deep, detailed line work visible in the allegorical figures, castle architecture, border patterns, and landscape elements. The multicolor printing technique involved multiple passes to achieve the brown, tan, cream, and green-yellow color palette. Security printer information for this specific issue is not definitively documented in the provided references, though the quality of engraving suggests work by a established European security printer, likely contracted by the Romanian central bank.

This example corresponds to Pick P-51 with the observed signature combination of Miltescu (Governor) and R. Banu (Central Cashier). The PMG population report indicates two cataloged variants (P-51a and P-51s), suggesting differences in signature combinations or minor printing variations. The serial number prefix 'H₁₀' visible on this note may indicate a specific printing series. Collectors should note that two signature varieties exist for this base Pick number, as documented in the RealBankNotes reference, which may affect collectibility or premium value for specific signature combinations.