1000 Drachmai, National Bank of Greece, Greece, 1917–1918 (Pick 57)

This 1000 Drachmai note was issued in Greece by the National Bank of Greece, with dates recorded from 1917–1918. It belongs to the First modern drachma (1832-1944) currency system. Issuing authority and period recorded in the catalogue: Alexander (1917-1920). It measures 195 × 100 mm and is printed on paper. The Standard Catalog of World Paper Money lists the type as Pick 57.

Obverse: Georgios Stavros at left, Hermes at centre with a ship in background, coat of arms at right Scripts: Greek and Latin. Its lettering reads “ΕΘΝΙΚΗ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ / ΙΣΧΥΣ ΜΟΥ Η ΑΓΑΠΗ ΤΟΥ ΛΑΟΥ / 1000 ΔΡΑΧΜΑΙ ΧΙΛΙΑΙ 1000 / Πληρωτέαι ἐπὶ τῇ ἐμφανίσει. Έν Άθήναις, τῇ 4 Νοεμβρίου 1917. / Ὁ ΤΑΜΙΑΣ / Ὁ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΗΣ / Ὁ ΒΑΣ. ΕΠΙΤΡΟΠΟΣ / American Bank Note Co. New York”. Translation given in the catalogue: “National Bank of Greece The people's love is my strength One thousand drachmai Paid on appearance. In Athens, on 4 November 1917. The cashier The governor The royal commissioner”.

Reverse: Allegorical representation of agriculture featuring goddess Demeter at centre. Scripts: Greek and Latin. Its lettering reads “BANQUE NATIONALE DE GRÈCE / ΝΟΜΟΣ 30 Μαρτίου 1841. ΠΕΡΙ ΣΥΣΤΑΣΕΩΣ ΕΘΝΙΚΗΣ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΗΣ. / 4 Νοεμβρίου 1917. ΑΘΗΝΗΣΙ / American Bank Note Co New York”. Translation given in the catalogue: “National Bank of Greece Law of 30 March 1841. On the establishment of a national bank. 4 November 1917. Athens.”.

The note was printed by American Banknote Corporation (American Bank Note Company), United States (1795-date). Demonetized: Yes. Identification note: match the value, issuing bank, printed date and Pick number together; dates and signature combinations distinguish sub-varieties, which are not separated in this entry. Details follow the Numista catalogue entry and the Standard Catalog reference it cites; they have not been checked against a central-bank archive.