5 francs 1952

Common. This note exhibits regular market activity with numerous eBay sales tracked, including UNC examples selling for $20-42 in recent years. The 2016 catalog value for EF condition is only $17.50. The catalog lists multiple varieties (P-11c through P-11s) for this base Pick number, indicating substantial print runs. Market prices consistently in the $20-67 range for PMG-graded examples in higher grades confirm this is a standard-issue note without scarcity premium.

Issued on March 28, 1952, this banknote represents the post-World War II reconstruction period of Switzerland and the consolidation of Swiss National Bank authority under new legislation. The note's trilingual inscriptions (German, French, Italian) reflect Switzerland's multicultural federalist structure, while the classical engraved portrait and ornamental design aesthetic embody Switzerland's commitment to traditional craftsmanship and monetary stability during the early Cold War era.

The obverse features a bearded male figure in classical dress portrayed within an ornate circular medallion on the left side, representing a symbolic figure central to Swiss heritage (likely related to William Tell tradition per catalog reference). The left background displays Rütli Mountain imagery. The center contains the trilingual denomination and issuer text with the Swiss coat of arms in a shield at top center. The design is framed by intricate ornamental borders with geometric and floral patterns in the corners. The reverse displays a large ornate numeral '5' within concentric circular rings as the central focal point, surrounded by elaborate engraved patterns and peacock or similar bird motifs in the corners. The Swiss cross appears at the top center of the reverse as well. The overall design employs classical numismatic engraving conventions emphasizing symmetry and decorative complexity.

FRONT SIDE: '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 53' (Series 53), Serial numbers: 1010705/1010706, 'Bern und Zürich, 28. März 1952' (Bern and Zurich, March 28, 1952), 'Der Präsident des Bankrates' (The President of the Board of Directors), 'Der Hauptkassier' (The Chief Cashier), 'Ein Mitglied des Direktoriums' (A Member of the Board), Signatures: Blumner, P.O Müller, F. Keller. BACK SIDE: 'Schweizerische Nationalbank' (Swiss National Bank), 'Banque Nationale Suisse' (Swiss National Bank - French), 'Banca Nazionale Svizzera' (Swiss National Bank - Italian), Denomination numeral '5' repeated in corners and center.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), the standard security printing method for Swiss National Bank notes of this period. The sharp clarity of fine lines, intricate background patterns, and the precise reproduction of small details visible in the images indicate professional security printing typical of Swiss currency production. The specific printer for this 1952 series was likely one of Switzerland's established security printers (Orell Füssli or similar), though this specific attribution would require catalog cross-reference.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-11p, one of eight documented varieties for the 1952 5 Francs base issue (variants P-11c, P-11h, P-11j, P-11m, P-11n, P-11o, P-11p, P-11s). The variety designation 'p' likely corresponds to differences in signatures, serial number prefixes, or other minor issuing variations. The observed signatures (Blumner, P.O Müller, F. Keller) and 'Serie 53' designation help identify this as the specific P-11p variety. The serial numbers visible (1010705/1010706) are within expected ranges for this series.