5 francs 1947

Common. This 1947 issue was produced in substantial quantities for regular circulation and remains widely available in the collector market. eBay sales data shows consistent pricing in the $3-$36 range depending on condition grade, with Fine-graded examples selling regularly for $4-$12. The catalog value for Fine condition is $12.50 (2016 reference), and no evidence suggests this Pick-11m variety was recalled or issued in limited quantities. High-grade PMG-certified examples command premium prices, but the base note itself is not scarce.

Issued on October 16, 1947, by the Schweizerische Nationalbank, this note marks the early post-World War II period of Swiss currency production. The prominent depiction of the William Tell monument in Altdorf on the obverse, along with Rütli Mountain, reflects Switzerland's deep historical and cultural identity during a period of national reassertion following the war. The trilingual inscriptions in German, French, and Italian underscore Switzerland's federal structure and multilingual character, while the Swiss coat of arms symbolizes national sovereignty.

This note features the legendary Swiss national hero William Tell, depicted through a classical portrait in profile within a circular vignette on the obverse left side. The reverse displays an elaborate ornamental seal of the Schweizerische Nationalbank centered within an intricate interlocking oval medallion pattern covering the entire surface. The Swiss coat of arms (white cross on red shield) appears prominently above the central text on the obverse. Corner ornaments feature decorative shields containing the numeral 5. The design employs fine line engraving with extensive guilloche patterning—intricate repetitive geometric patterns that serve both aesthetic and security functions. The color scheme of brown, tan, and black on an olive-green underprint creates a warm, dignified appearance characteristic of mid-20th century Swiss currency design. The entire composition reflects classical engraving principles and formal heraldic imagery befitting a national bank note.

FRONT: 'SCHWEIZERISCHE NATIONALBANK' (Swiss National Bank), 'BANCA NAZIONALE SVIZZERA' (Swiss National Bank - Italian), 'BANQUE NATIONALE SUISSE' (Swiss National Bank - French), 'FÜNF FRANKEN' (Five Francs - German), 'CINQ FRANCS' (Five Francs - French), 'CINQUE FRANCHI' (Five Francs - Italian), 'SERIE 38 D' (Series 38 D), 'No 042276' (Serial number), 'Bern und Zürich. 16.Oktober 1947.' (Bern and Zurich. October 16, 1947), 'Gesetzgebung über die Schweiz Nat. Bank' (Legislation on the Swiss National Bank), 'Der Präsident des Bankrates:' (The President of the Board of Directors), 'Der Hauptkassier:' (The Chief Cashier), 'Ein Mitglied des Direktoriums:' (A Member of the Directorate). BACK: 'SCHWEIZERISCHE NATIONALBANK' (Swiss National Bank), 'BANQUE NATIONALE SUISSE' (Swiss National Bank - French), 'BANCA NAZIONALE SVIZZERA' (Swiss National Bank - Italian).

Intaglio (line engraving) process, the standard security printing method for Swiss banknotes of this era. The fine line work, guilloche patterns, and intricate details visible throughout both obverse and reverse are characteristic of intaglio production. The note was likely produced by Orell Füssli, the primary Swiss currency printer during this period, though multiple printers may have been involved given the production volume of this series.

This specimen is identified as Pick-11m, one of eight documented variant cataloging designations (P-11c through P-11s) for this base 5 Francs 1947 denomination. The variants likely represent different printing runs, signature combinations, or date variations. This example displays Series 38 D with serial number 042276, characteristics that would help identify its specific variety designation within the P-11 family. The note bears three signatures (President of Board, Chief Cashier, and Board Member) and the date October 16, 1947.