5 francs 1952

Common. While the catalog data indicates this is a variant (P-11p) within the 1952 series, the eBay price history provided shows multiple sales across various grades ranging from $5 to $102.50, with PMG 68 examples selling for approximately $100 in recent years. The consistent availability of this note in the market across multiple grades, combined with catalog values for EF condition at only $17.50, indicates this was a regular issue with substantial print runs. The note is readily available to collectors.

Issued on March 28, 1952, by the Schweizerische Nationalbank (Swiss National Bank), this banknote reflects Switzerland's post-World War II stability and the nation's continued emphasis on classical allegorical imagery representing Swiss values and sovereignty. The trilingual inscriptions in German, French, and Italian reflect Switzerland's multilingual federation, while the ornate engraving style typical of 1950s Swiss currency design demonstrates the high standards of security printing and artistic craftsmanship maintained during this period of Swiss monetary history.

The obverse features a classical female allegorical figure representing Helvetia (the personification of Switzerland) depicted in profile within a circular medallion on the left side, a common motif in Swiss currency of this era. The design is anchored by trilingual text identifying the issuing Swiss National Bank and the 5 Franken denomination. Ornate decorative borders composed of intricate scrollwork patterns, geometric designs, and rosette motifs frame the composition in warm brown and green tones. The reverse presents a more minimalist approach, emphasizing the denomination through large numerals '5' positioned in all four corners and a prominent circular central medallion containing the '5' numeral, maintaining the same ornamental border aesthetic. Swiss cross shields and crest designs appear in corner positions, reinforcing national symbolism.

OBVERSE: 'SCHWEIZERISCHE NATIONALBANK' (Swiss National Bank), 'BANQUE NATIONALE SUISSE' (French: Swiss National Bank), 'BANCA NAZIONALE SVIZZERA' (Italian: Swiss National Bank), 'FUNF FRANKEN' (German: Five Francs), 'CINQ FRANCS' (French: Five Francs), 'CINQUE FRANCHI' (Italian: Five Francs), 'SERIE 53N' (Series 53N), 'No 040710' (Serial number 040710), 'Bern und Zürich, 28 März 1952' (Bern and Zurich, 28 March 1952), 'Der Präsidenten Bundesrates' (The President of the Federal Council), 'Le Secrétaire des Organisations' (The Secretary of Organizations). REVERSE: 'SCHWEIZERISCHE NATIONALBANK' (Swiss National Bank), 'BANQUE NATIONALE SUISSE' (French: Swiss National Bank), 'BANCA NAZIONALE SVIZZERA' (Italian: Swiss National Bank), large denomination numerals '5' positioned in all four corners.

Intaglio engraving (copperplate/steel engraving), the standard security printing method for Swiss banknotes of this period. The crisp, fine line work visible throughout the note—particularly in the scrollwork borders, rosette patterns, and the detailed circular medallions—is characteristic of high-quality intaglio production. The multiple color registration (brown, green, cream underprint, and black text) indicates traditional multi-pass printing typical of 1950s Swiss National Bank currency production by Orell Füssli or similar Swiss security printers.

This specimen is identified as Pick P-11p, one of eight documented variants (P-11c, P-11h, P-11j, P-11m, P-11n, P-11o, P-11p, P-11s) cataloged by PMG for the 1952 5 Franken issue. The specific variety designation 'p' likely relates to signature combinations, printer variants, or other technical distinguishing features within the 1952 production run. The serial number format 'SERIE 53N' with number '040710' is consistent with Swiss National Bank numbering conventions of this period.