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1 krona 1914

Europe › Sweden
P-32a1914Sweriges RiksbankAU
1 krona 1914 from Sweden, P-32a (1914) — image 1
1 krona 1914 from Sweden, P-32a (1914) — image 2

Market Prices

12 sales
Catalogue (2014)
G$5
F$15
EF$50
UNC$70
F$3.412020-12-09(8 bids)
VF$4.812020-11-19(5 bids)
F$13.222018-04-27(10 bids)
PMG 66$89.882018-04-16(21 bids)
F$6.52017-10-23(8 bids)
EF$16.52016-06-24(19 bids)
F$82016-05-28(6 bids)
F$8.52015-06-07(10 bids)
F$8.252015-03-28(8 bids)
F$16.52014-10-07(16 bids)
F$11.652013-11-19(13 bids)
F$9.52013-11-07(6 bids)

About This Note

This Swedish 1 Krona note from 1914 (Pick-32a) presents a well-preserved example of Sveriges Riksbank's early 20th-century currency design, graded AU based on minimal wear and excellent visual clarity. The note features the distinctive crowned royal coat of arms with supporting lions at center, surrounded by an intricate ornamental border with repeating geometric patterns in black on cream underprint. This particular specimen represents an important transitional piece in Swedish monetary history, as the 1 Krona denomination was reintroduced during World War I after a 39-year hiatus since 1875.

Rarity

Common. The eBay price history provided demonstrates consistent market pricing in the $3-$16 range for Fine to Extremely Fine examples (2013-2020), with ungraded circulated examples regularly trading below $20. The 1914-1940 date range indicates a lengthy production period spanning multiple decades, and population data shows multiple cataloged variants (P-32b, P-32e), suggesting substantial print runs. An AU-graded example showing minimal wear is more desirable than circulated specimens, but this denomination and date remain readily available in the collector market. No evidence suggests limited production, recall, or special rarity factors.

Historical Context

The 1914 reintroduction of the 1 Krona note by Sveriges Riksbank (the Bank of Sweden) occurred during World War I, a period of economic disruption and currency need throughout Europe. The note's design emphasizes Swedish national identity through the prominent royal coat of arms with heraldic supporters, reflecting the symbolic authority of Sveriges Riksbank as the official currency issuer. The legal text referencing the decree of June 30, 1873, grounds this note in Sweden's established banking and currency legislation, demonstrating institutional continuity during a period of international economic uncertainty.

Design

This note employs a symmetrical design centered on the Royal Coat of Arms of Sweden, featuring the tripartite shield with the Three Crowns (traditional Swedish heraldic symbol) enclosed by an ornate frame and surmounted by the royal crown. Two heraldic lions serve as supporters flanking the shield on either side, a classical element of Swedish royal heraldry. The denomination '1' appears in circular medallions positioned in the upper left and right corners, a common practice for denominal identification in early 20th-century currency design. An elaborate border of repeating geometric patterns frames the entire design, providing both aesthetic appeal and anti-counterfeiting security through its complexity. The uniface design (front and back printing with mirror visibility) was typical of Swedish currency of this period, as noted in the catalog reference. The note exhibits a cream or beige paper base with black and green printing, characteristic of the technical capabilities of early 1900s security printing.

Inscriptions

FRONT: 'Sveriges Riksbank' (Bank of Sweden), 'EN Krona' (One Crown), Serial number 'A.278039', Year '1914', Legal text fragment 'inlågar och anfordran deras jemte förd &' (regarding deposits and demands), Reference 'med gillmärkts riktigt taget om rifels måste av den 30 Juni 1873' (approved and properly issued according to decree of June 30, 1873), Signatures/names 'Smölen' and 'Carleson'. BACK: 'Sveriges Riksbank' (Bank of Sweden), 'EN Krona' (One Crown), Legal text fragments 'i lösd pennad nödvändiga did wööttini' and 'inom gamla sum en lagal lagligt ma légal lagligt dum och på den 30 Juni 1873' (references to legal decree of June 30, 1873 regarding lawful currency). The back side text is partially obscured but maintains references to the foundational banking legislation.

Printing Technique

Based on visual characteristics including the fine line work in the ornamental borders, the crisp definition of the coat of arms and heraldic elements, and the complexity of the repeating geometric patterns, this note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing, the standard security printing method for banknotes of this era. The depth and precision visible in the circular medallions and border design are consistent with steel plate engraving techniques. The green underprint visible in decorative elements suggests the use of multiple printing passes, a sophisticated technique employed by major security printers. Sverige Riksbank employed prominent European security printers for their currency production during this period, though specific printer attribution for this particular Pick number would require additional research documentation.

Varieties

This note is cataloged as Pick-32a, representing the base variety of the 1914-1940 series. The PMG population report identifies at least two other documented varieties (P-32b and P-32e), suggesting variants exist within this denomination and date range. These variants likely differ in serial number prefixes, signature combinations, or minor design alterations. The observed serial number 'A.278039' and the signatures 'Smölen' and 'Carleson' are consistent with the P-32a variety specifications, though comprehensive variety cataloging would require comparison with detailed Pick catalog documentation. Further research into signature varieties and serial number prefix patterns would be necessary to definitively establish all varieties within the 1914 1 Krona issue.