5 kronor 1961

Common. The 5 kronor note from 1961 was issued in substantial quantities as regular-issue currency by Sveriges Riksbank and remained in circulation for many years. eBay auction data confirms this assessment, with UNC examples consistently selling between $4-8.50, indicating strong supply relative to collector demand. No specific production restrictions, recalls, or short print runs are known for this Pick number.

Issued by Sveriges Riksbank during the reign of King Gustaf VI Adolf (1950-1973), this note represents Sweden's post-war economic stability and national identity. The obverse portrait of the King in military regalia with decorative orders reflects his role as head of state during this prosperous period, while the reverse depicts Svea, the personification of Sweden herself, standing with wheat sheaves symbolizing the nation's agricultural heritage and the Latin motto 'Finans Robur et Securit' (Financial Strength and Security) expressing confidence in Swedish economic strength during the early Cold War era.

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of King Gustaf VI Adolf wearing round spectacles and a military uniform decorated with orders and insignia, flanked by ornamental laurel wreaths symbolizing honor and achievement. The portrait is rendered in fine sepia-brown engraving against a cream background with decorative rosette frames containing the denomination '5' positioned in the upper left and lower corners. The reverse presents Svea, the classical female personification of Sweden, depicted in an oval medallion wearing flowing classical drapery and holding a staff or spear, surrounded by wheat sheaves representing agricultural prosperity. The design is framed by elaborate scrollwork and scalloped borders with fine guilloche background patterns incorporating blue and red safety fibers.

Front: 'SVERIGE RIKSBANK' (Sweden's National Bank), 'FEM KRONOR' (Five Kronor), '1961' (issue year), '5' (denomination in rosette frames), 'RF 548409' (serial number), signatures of 'Tu Ilmari' and 'Sture Bergman'. Back: '5' (denomination), 'FINANS ROBUR ET SECURIT' (Financial Strength and Security - Latin motto).

Intaglio/Recess printing, characterized by the deep, fine line engraving visible throughout the note. The complex guilloche patterns, parallel line work in the background, and intricate detail work in the portraits and ornamental elements are hallmarks of high-security currency engraving typical of Swedish banknote production. The use of colored safety fibers (red and blue) embedded in the paper provides additional security.

This note bears the serial number 'RF 548409' with signatures of Tu Ilmari and Sture Bergman. Pick catalog identifies this as P-42f, with PMG records indicating at least one cataloged variant (P-42s) exists. The specific serial number prefix 'RF' and signature combination may represent a specific printing run or series, though without access to comprehensive variety catalogs, the exact significance of these characteristics cannot be definitively established. The 1961 date identifies this as a later-period note within the 1955-1961 series range.