5 kronor 1973

Common. This is a regular issue from a long production run (1972-1981) with substantial print quantities. eBay sales data shows consistent availability across multiple condition grades, with UNC examples regularly selling for $2-4 and lower grades for under $2. Even PMG-graded specimens (65-66) typically sell for $10-20, well below the threshold that would indicate scarcity. The extensive circulation history and abundant market supply confirm this as one of the most commonly encountered Swedish 5 kronor notes.

Issued by Sveriges Riksbank during the early 1970s, this note commemorates King Gustav Vasa (r. 1523-1560), the founder of the Swedish nation-state and central figure in Sweden's independence from the Kalmar Union. The ornamental reverse design, featuring abstract rooster imagery and elaborate geometric patterns characteristic of Swedish security printing of the era, reflects mid-20th century banknote design aesthetics that emphasized both artistic sophistication and anti-counterfeiting security measures. This denomination and series remained in circulation from 1972 to 1981, representing a transitional period in Swedish monetary design.

The obverse features a left-facing profile portrait of King Gustav Vasa, depicted with characteristic long beard and period-appropriate headwear in purple and dark tones, positioned on the right side of the note. The central design element is an ornate, large numeral '5' framed with elaborate scrollwork and decorative flourishes, set against a geometric sunburst pattern in green/teal, orange, and red that radiates behind the denomination. The reverse presents a highly detailed abstract interpretation of a rooster in full crow, rendered through stylized feather or fan-like elements arranged in ornamental medallions with cross designs. Geometric interlocking patterns and extensive linear crosshatching create a sophisticated security-focused design that fills the composition with repeating decorative motifs in purple and maroon on a cream background. Fine line engraving with intricate stippling and crosshatching throughout both sides demonstrates advanced anti-counterfeiting technique.

Front side: 'SVERIGES RIKSBANK' (Sweden's National Bank); '5' and 'fem KRONOR' (five kronor); '1973 BX' (year of issue and series identifier); 'N 840102' (serial number). Back side: '5' (denomination marker, appearing in opposite corners). The inscriptions are rendered primarily in Swedish, with numerals in standard international format.

Intaglio (engraved) printing, the standard security printing method for Swedish banknotes of this era. The notes were produced by Sveriges Riksbank's printing facilities, with the characteristic fine line engraving, extensive crosshatching, and intricate geometric patterns typical of high-security currency production from the 1970s. The depth and clarity of the engraved lines visible in both the portrait work and decorative elements confirm traditional intaglio methodology.

This specific example is dated 1973 with series identifier 'BX' and serial number 'N 840102'. The series and date information shown on the note corresponds to the 1972-1974 printing variant documented in catalog references. Varieties within this Pick number P-51c are primarily distinguished by series letters (appearing in the date line) and year of issue within the 1972-1977 production window. The 'BX' series designation and '1973' date place this note within the early portion of the standard circulation series for this denomination.