5 kronor 1952

Common. The eBay sales history demonstrates consistent market availability with regular sales across multiple condition grades spanning from 2013 to 2024. UNC examples have sold in the $6.50-$10.50 range in recent years (2021-2022), well below the threshold that would indicate scarcity. The 1952 5 kronor was part of a substantial circulation issue by Sveriges Riksbank, and examples remain readily available to collectors. The SPECIMEN overprint reduces collector premium value compared to regular issued notes.

This 1952 issue represents the continued use of Gustav Vasa's portrait on Swedish currency, honoring the 16th-century founder of the modern Swedish state who unified and liberated the country from union with Denmark. The allegorical figure of Svea on the obverse embodies Sweden's national identity and sovereignty. This note was issued during the early Cold War era when Sweden maintained its policy of military non-alignment, and the classically-inspired design reflects the nation's cultural pride and stability during post-war reconstruction.

The obverse features the allegorical personification of Svea, the female embodiment of Sweden, seated in classical pose on the right side of the note, accompanied by a putto (cherub figure). She holds a shield, representing national protection and sovereignty. The note's center is dominated by an intricate red and black rosette or mandala-like ornamental pattern. The reverse depicts a bearded male portrait in a central oval medallion of King Gustav Vasa (1496-1560), the founder of modern Sweden, rendered in fine engraved detail and surrounded by elaborate floral and geometric decorative borders with shell-like motifs. The denomination numeral '5' appears in ornate cartouches on both sides of the portrait.

Front side: '5' (denomination), 'SVENSKA KRONOR' (Swedish kronor), 'RIKSBANK' (Central Bank), 'K.678323' (serial number), '1952' (date of issue), 'SPECIMEN' (overprint indicating a specimen for distribution to banks/collectors). Back side: 'SVERIGES RIKSBANK' (Sweden's Central Bank), '5' (denomination, appears twice), 'D' (letter designation, appears twice on lower portion).

Intaglio (copperplate engraving), the dominant security printing technique for Swedish banknotes of this era. The fine line work, cross-hatching, and intricate decorative patterns visible throughout both sides are characteristic of high-quality intaglio production. The red overprint of 'SPECIMEN' appears to have been applied separately, likely by offset or letterpress methods, after the primary engraved printing. Swedish banknotes of this period were typically produced by Kungl. Boktryckeriet (the Royal Printing House) or internationally contracted security printers.

This example is identified as Pick-33ai, the 'ai' suffix indicating a specific variety within the 1952 5 kronor series. The presence of the red SPECIMEN overprint is notable and indicates this was distributed as a specimen to banking institutions or released in official specimen sets. The serial number 'K.678323' with the 'K' prefix and format is consistent with Swedish denomination printing practices. Signature varieties exist for this issue, though the specific signatory identities are not clearly legible in the provided images. Collectors should note that the SPECIMEN overprint substantially differentiates this from regular circulation examples and affects desirability in numismatic markets.