50 Drachmai GRC Banknote (WWII Inflation Issue) 1964

50 Drachmai Drachma / Phoenix / Grosia (Issued 1964)

The engraving tradition of this 1964 Greek banknote exemplifies the neoclassical design language that dominated Mediterranean currency during the mid-twentieth century, employing classical portraiture as its primary artistic anchor. The note demonstrates the Bank of Greece’s commitment to sophisticated intaglio printing, where fine line work and tonal gradation create depth through traditional engraving methods rather than modern offset techniques. The compositional layout places the human portrait in commanding prominence, a design philosophy consistent with Greek monetary authority’s desire to honour historical and mythological figures. The interplay between the blue-tinted portraiture and the geometric denomination markers reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of post-war European currency design, balancing classical heritage with modernist structural clarity.

On the front, a striking male portrait occupies the upper left portion of the note, rendered in deep blue and purple tones through meticulous engraving. The profile faces rightward, displaying classical Greek features with carefully detailed hair rendered through fine parallel lines characteristic of traditional intaglio work. Above the portrait, the text reads “ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ” (Bank of Greece) in blue capital letters. The denomination “50” appears prominently in a large purple box in the upper right corner, whilst the word “ΔΡΑΧΜΑΙ” (Drachmai) is displayed in red text below. The serial number “10Φ 405483” is printed in red on the right side. A secondary “50” denomination marker appears in yellow-gold tones within an ornate circular frame in the centre-right area. The lower portion features decorative guillochéd patterns in green and cream, including what appears to be a stylised maritime vessel rendered in purple. The paper exhibits a cream to light tan base colour, with fine security patterns woven throughout. At the bottom, additional text includes “ΕΝ ΑΘΗΝΑΙΣ 18 ΤΗ ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ 1964” (Athens, 18th December 1964), confirming the issue date, along with signature lines and the Bank of Greece’s institutional marking.

The reverse presents an equally detailed composition centred on a working vessel with pronounced rigging and sail structures rendered in deep navy blue. The sailing ship dominates the left side, its masts and lines meticulously engraved to convey maritime heritage and commercial importance. To the right of the vessel, an industrial or harbour facility is depicted in green and blue tones, showing multiple structures typical of early twentieth-century port infrastructure and manufacturing complexes. The text “ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ” repeats across the top in blue capitals. Denomination markers “50” appear in ornate frames at both the lower left and right corners, each surrounded by intricate red and cream coloured guillochéd patterns creating rosette and fan-like designs. The denomination “ΔΡΑΧΜΑΙ ΠΕΝΤΗΚΟΝΤΑ” (Fifty Drachmai) is inscribed below the central imagery. The overall colour palette of the reverse shifts between blue, green, and cream tones, with the security patterns and decorative borders rendered in red and multi-coloured inks. The paper quality throughout maintains the same cream base observed on the front, with watermark elements visible when held to light, typical of Bank of Greece production standards for this period.

Wondering who buys foreign coins and notes? Webuyallcurrency.com does — a 50 Drachmai banknote like this is accepted alongside other old or withdrawn Greek Drachmas banknotes, so you can exchange the lot for cash at once.

• Indicate the quantity of 50 Drachmai Drachma / Phoenix / Grosia banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Whether you want to sell foreign coins and notes or exchange leftover currency from past trips, Webuyallcurrency.com accepts Greek Drachmas banknotes alongside modern money and settles everything in a single, easy transaction.