5000 lei 1943

Common. This note, while from the World War II era, was produced in substantial quantities as indicated by the extensive eBay sales history showing multiple examples in various grades regularly trading at modest prices ($3-$25 in lower grades). The PMG 66 grade represents exceptional preservation rather than rarity—the catalog values (2016) listing UNC at $30 and VF at $10 indicate this is a widely available issue. Recent PMG 66 sales at $89-$107 reflect premiums for superior condition rather than scarcity. The existence of multiple varieties and signature combinations further supports common classification.

Issued on 28 September 1943 by the Banca Nationala a Romaniei during Romania's tumultuous World War II period, this note reflects the nation's economic and ideological priorities of the era. The reverse's dual imagery of industrial development (factory/oil derrick) and agricultural productivity (oxen and farmland) emphasizes Romania's economic foundation and national self-sufficiency themes promoted during the Antonescu regime. The inclusion of classical historical figures (Trajan and Decebal) on the obverse connects contemporary Romanian nationalism to ancient Roman imperial heritage, a common propagandistic motif of the period.

The obverse features two classical male profiles in medallions positioned at the upper left—identified as the Roman Emperor Trajan (left) and Dacian King Decebal (right), representing the historical duality of ancient Romania. The center displays the ornate Royal Coat of Arms of Romania featuring the crown and heraldic design. The reverse showcases an elaborate allegorical vignette depicting the dual pillars of Romanian economy: an industrial scene with a factory or oil derrick structure on the left, and an agricultural scene with oxen plowing fertile fields in the center, with rural buildings visible in the background. Both sides employ an intricate ornate geometric border in guilloché pattern with repeating diamond and cross motifs. The color scheme combines light blue with cream/off-white paper and sepia-brown tones in the vignette.

Front side: 'BANCA NATIONALA A ROMANIEI' (National Bank of Romania), 'CINCI MILI LEI' (Five Thousand Lei), '5000' (denomination), 'GUVERNATOR' (Governor), 'CASIER CENTRAL' (Central Cashier), '28 SEPTEMBRIE 1943' (28 September 1943), serial numbers 'D 0514753' and 'P 0514753'. Back side: 'ROMANIA' (Romania), '5000' (denomination). The visual analysis also notes PMG certification inscriptions 'Sixty Six' (grade 66) and 'Exceptional Paper Quality' with certification number '1913818-020'.

This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the fine line work, detailed guilloché border patterns, and the crisp, deeply impressed imagery characteristic of high-security banknote production from this era. The multicolor engraving visible in the central vignettes and the precision of the geometric border designs reflect the advanced security printing capabilities of the Banca Nationala a Romaniei or contracted European security printers of the 1943 period. Red-colored serial number printing indicates selective color application typical of mid-20th century European note production.

This example shows serial number prefix 'D' and/or 'P', indicating one of the known signature or serial varieties for Pick-55. The catalog reference notes 2 signature varieties exist for this issue. The issue date of 28 September 1943 places this within the primary 1943 issuance period (later varieties exist dated 2.5.1944 and 22.8.1944). The watermark identified as Portrait of Trajan is consistent with the standard security features for P-55. No specimen overprint or special markings are evident in the visual analysis, indicating this is a regular circulation issue.