500 dinara 1942

Common. This is a regular-issue banknote from a major denomination (500 dinars) issued in 1942 by the Serbian National Bank. eBay auction data shows consistent availability with sales ranging from $1 to $21.50, with typical VF-AUNC specimens selling for $6–$13. PMG-graded examples command premiums (PMG 67 at $103.50, PMG 66 at $71, PMG 65 at $52), reflecting grading premiums rather than underlying rarity. The note appears in numerous collections and is regularly offered at auction, indicating substantial print runs and widespread survival. Catalog values place UNC examples at $20, consistent with common wartime-era banknotes.

This 500 dinara note was issued on May 1, 1942, during Serbia's occupation in World War II under the German-aligned puppet government. The repeated imagery of agricultural workers and harvest scenes on both sides reflects the regime's emphasis on labor, productivity, and agrarian values—common propaganda themes of the era. The note's issuance by the Srpska Narodna Banka represents a continuation of monetary authority during this turbulent period of Yugoslav history.

The obverse features a classical allegorical male figure depicted from behind in a contrapposto stance on the right side, representing labor or industry. On the upper left is the Serbian coat of arms featuring a double-headed eagle with an inescutcheon shield bearing the Serbian cross—a symbol of Serbian sovereignty and national identity. The reverse depicts an agricultural laborer shown in profile performing harvest or field work with a rake or similar implement, set against a tilled field, emphasizing agrarian themes. Both sides employ ornate decorative borders with geometric and floral patterns characteristic of interwar and WWII-era Serbian banknote design. A prominent circular watermark area (featuring King Aleksander I according to catalog sources) is visible on both sides. The predominant color palette consists of brown, tan, sepia, and cream tones, unified by fine line engraving throughout.

FRONT SIDE: 'SRPSKA NARODNA BANKA' (Serbian National Bank) / '500' (denomination numerals) / '500 SRPSKIH DINARA' (500 Serbian Dinars) / 'PLAĆA DONOSIOCU' (Payable to Bearer) / 'BEOGRAD, 1 MAJ 1942' (Belgrade, 1 May 1942) / Serial numbers and printer marks: 'C.0207', '05170019', '619', 'BELGAkun CRL RES.' (printer attribution). BACK SIDE: 'SRPSKA NARODNA BANKA' (Serbian National Bank) / '500' (denomination numerals, repeated) / 'ŠESTO­STOTINA SRPSKIH DINARA' (Five Hundred Serbian Dinars in words) / 'PLAĆA DONOSIOCU' (Payable to Bearer) / 'FALSIFIKOVANJE NOVČANICA KAZNI SE PO PROPISIMA KRIVIČNOG ZAKONA KOJI VAŽE ZA KRIVICE ZBOG PRAVLJENJA LAŽNOG NOVCA' (Counterfeiting banknotes is punished according to criminal law provisions applicable to counterfeiting offenses) / 'BELGAKIN GES.SS.' (printer mark).

This note was produced using intaglio (engraved line) printing, the standard security printing method for banknotes of this era. The fine detail in the decorative borders, the portrait work, and the overall crisp impression visible in the uncirculated specimen indicate steel plate engraving. The printer marks visible on both sides ('Belgakin' or similar attribution) indicate production by a specialized security printer, likely a major European banknote printer commissioned by the Srpska Narodna Banka.

The Pick catalog lists two variants: P-31 (standard) and P-31s (specimen). The observed note is a regular P-31 issue dated 1 May 1942 with serial number prefix C.0207. The specimen variant (P-31s) would typically bear overprints or perforations indicating non-circulating status. No overprints or specimen markings are visible on the analyzed images, confirming this as a standard P-31 circulation note. Variations in serial number prefixes (C-, D-, etc.) and printer attributions may exist across the print run, but are not uncommon for this issue.