500 Drachmai GRC Banknote (WWII Emergency Issue) 1950

500 Drachmai Drachma / Phoenix / Grosia (Issued 1950)

The 500 Drachmai note of 1950 represents Greece’s monetary recovery during the immediate post-war period, issued as the nation rebuilt its financial infrastructure following the devastation of the Second World War and subsequent civil conflict. This denomination served as emergency currency during a critical phase of Greek economic stabilisation, when the drachma was being reestablished as a reliable medium of exchange. The timing of this issue reflected Greece’s broader efforts to restore confidence in its banking system and currency markets. These notes circulated throughout the 1950s as essential instruments of everyday commerce in a nation transitioning towards economic normalcy.

On the front, the banknote displays a carefully composed design centred around two circular medallic portraits positioned at the upper left and upper right corners. The left portrait features a profile figure in ornate religious or ceremonial dress, whilst the right circular frame contains the denomination “500” with accompanying Greek text reading “ΔΡΑΧΜΑΙ” and “ΠΕΝΤΑΚΟΣΙΑΙ” below. Between these portraits stands an elaborate ornamental device featuring a central heraldic emblem with spreading wings and decorative foliate elements. The entire composition is rendered in monochrome greenish-grey tones with fine engraving throughout. The denomination “500” appears prominently in multiple locations across the face, with smaller text indicating the issuing authority. Serial numbers are visible in red ink at the upper corners, reading “AY 04” and “882115”. The outer border frames the design with an intricate scalloped edge pattern, and fine guilloché background patterns create visual depth across the surface.

The reverse presents a substantial engraved vignette occupying the central field, depicting a classical or mythological scene rendered in detailed line work. The composition shows a seated female figure in classical drapery positioned before architectural elements suggesting ancient structures or temples. The surrounding architectural and decorative framing contains the denomination “500” repeated in the four corners with Greek text “ΔΡΑΧΜΑΙ” and “ΠΕΝΤΑΚΟΣΙΑΙ” positioned above and below the central vignette. Text reading “ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ” (Bank of Greece) appears prominently across the reverse, confirming the issuing authority. The entire reverse is rendered in the same monochrome greenish-grey printing, with the fine engraving and guilloché patterns creating a cohesive aesthetic across both surfaces. The paper exhibits visible watermarking characteristics typical of banknote production from this era.

If you have a 500 Drachmai banknote to exchange, Webuyallcurrency.com takes it as part of its leftover currency service, combining your Greek Drachmas banknotes with other world coins and banknotes in one easy payout.

• Indicate the quantity of 500 Drachmai Drachma / Phoenix / Grosia banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Got a mix of old coins and banknotes? Webuyallcurrency.com will exchange your Greek Drachmas banknotes alongside other leftover and foreign currency, settling the whole lot in one straightforward transaction.