World Banknote Auctions
Sale 35 1, 4 Dec 2022
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Greece 20.6.1942 P-163 PMG Very Fine 20 500,000,000 Drachmai (Nafplion Overprint)
An extremely rare overprint for Nafplion, printed after German forces had retreated from the region in September of 1944, but before new banknotes from the Bank of Greece could be introduced into circulation. A provisional handstamp is found on the front, while the text on the back authorizes their circulation and includes the signatures of two members of the committee authorizing the issue of these pieces.
The rarity of this piece is not to be underestimated. In volume 3 of Hellas Banknotes 1822 - 2020 this denomination is called "one of the rarest Greek banknotes". Just 1,000 pieces were printed (serial numbers AP406001 to AP407000) and released into circulation, and perhaps a dozen or well-circulated pieces are known to exist. As these filled an urgent need in commerce in Nafplion and circulated for about three months, the survival of an is nothing short but a miracle. By far one of the most spectacular Greek banknotes we have offered and a rare opportunity for the Greek specialist.
An extremely rare overprint for Nafplion, printed after German forces had retreated from the region in September of 1944, but before new banknotes from the Bank of Greece could be introduced into circulation. A provisional handstamp is found on the front, while the text on the back authorizes their circulation and includes the signatures of two members of the committee authorizing the issue of these pieces.
The rarity of this piece is not to be underestimated. In volume 3 of Hellas Banknotes 1822 - 2020 this denomination is called "one of the rarest Greek banknotes". Just 1,000 pieces were printed (serial numbers AP406001 to AP407000) and released into circulation, and perhaps a dozen or well-circulated pieces are known to exist. As these filled an urgent need in commerce in Nafplion and circulated for about three months, the survival of an is nothing short but a miracle. By far one of the most spectacular Greek banknotes we have offered and a rare opportunity for the Greek specialist.