5 kronor 1956
Market Prices
20 salesAbout This Note
This is a Swedish 5 kronor banknote from 1956 (Pick P-42c) issued by Sveriges Riksbank, depicting King Gustav VI Adolf in profile on the obverse and the allegorical figure of Svea on the reverse. The note is in uncirculated condition with crisp, sharp printing throughout, excellent color definition in the brown and blue tones, and no visible wear or damage. This represents a classic example of mid-20th century Scandinavian currency design featuring detailed engraving work and traditional security features characteristic of the period.
Common. The 1956 Swedish 5 kronor note is a regular-issue banknote from a major, stable central bank with substantial print runs spanning the 1955-1961 period. eBay market data confirms common circulation patterns with UNC examples selling consistently in the $5-7 range during 2013-2016, with only premium-graded PMG specimens (65-66) reaching $20-45. No evidence of scarcity, low print runs, or recall status. This is a readily available note for collectors of mid-century Scandinavian currency.
This note was issued during the reign of King Gustav VI Adolf (1950-1973), a period of post-war Swedish prosperity and modernization. The allegorical figure of Svea on the reverse represents Sweden itself as a personified nation, a tradition rooted in Swedish nationalist imagery dating back centuries. The Latin motto 'Hirci Robur Et Securitas' (Strength and Security) reflects the nation's desire to project stability and confidence during the Cold War era.
The obverse features a formal portrait of King Gustav VI Adolf wearing glasses and military dress uniform with decorative insignia, rendered in an oval frame and centered on the note. The portrait is flanked by ornamental wheat or grain sheaves symbolizing agricultural prosperity. The reverse depicts Svea, the personification of Sweden, standing as an allegorical female figure in classical dress holding a torch or staff, also enclosed in a decorative oval frame with flanking grain sheaves. A coat of arms appears in the background. The denomination '5' appears in ornate circular frames in multiple locations on both sides, with intricate guilloche patterns and geometric designs providing security features throughout.
Front: 'SVERIGES RIKSBANK' (Sweden's Central Bank), 'FEM KRONOR' (Five Kronor), '1956' (issue year), '5' (denomination, multiple locations), serial number 'ID261843', and two official signatures. Back: '5' (denomination), 'HIRCI ROBUR ET SECURITAS' (Latin: Strength and Security).
Intaglio (copperplate) engraving, the standard currency printing method of the era. The note exhibits the characteristic fine line work, detailed portraiture, and complex guilloche security patterns typical of Swedish currency production by the Riksbank's official security printers. The crisp, sharp impression and precise color registration visible in the uncirculated example indicate professional security printing standards.
Pick P-42c designation indicates this is a specific variety within the 1956-1961 series. The observed specimen shows the standard design without visible overprints or printing variations. Serial number 'ID261843' with the 'ID' prefix is consistent with Swedish 5 kronor notes of this period. No significant production varieties are documented for this denomination and issuing period; collectors should note that grading and signature variants exist but do not constitute major cataloging distinctions.
