Iceland collect




25 Krónur 1965 – Iceland (Pick P-43)

The first and only 25 krónur denomination in Icelandic banknote history

The 25 Krónur 1965 banknote occupies a unique place in Icelandic numismatics as the only banknote ever issued with a face value of 25 krónur. Issued by the Central Bank of Iceland (Seðlabanki Íslands), this denomination was introduced as part of the modernization of Iceland’s currency system during the 1960s.

The note was intended to bridge the gap between lower and higher denominations, but the value proved impractical in daily use and was never repeated in later series.

🏦 Historical Context

Following the establishment of the Central Bank of Iceland in 1961, a new banknote series was developed to reflect the country’s independent monetary authority. The mid-1960s issues introduced updated denominations and designs while maintaining familiar national symbolism.

The 25 krónur denomination was an experimental value aimed at improving transactional flexibility. However, inflation and changing payment habits quickly made the denomination unnecessary, leading to its short lifespan.

🎨 Design & Appearance

Obverse (Front)

  • Portrait of Jón Sigurðsson, Iceland’s national leader and symbol of independence.

  • Denomination “Tuttugu og fimm krónur” clearly stated.

  • Issuer name Seðlabanki Íslands prominently displayed.

  • Printed signatures of Central Bank officials.

  • Complex engraved line work and guilloche patterns for security.

  • Serial numbers printed in contrasting colors.

The design closely follows the visual language of other Central Bank issues of the period while clearly identifying the new denomination.

Reverse (Back)

  • Decorative geometric and ornamental engraving.

  • Large numeral 25 for easy recognition.

  • Balanced, uncluttered layout emphasizing durability for circulation.

🖨️ Technical Details

  • Issuer: Seðlabanki Íslands (Central Bank of Iceland)

  • Year of Issue: 1965

  • Denomination: 25 Krónur

  • Pick Number: P-43

  • Printing Method: Intaglio engraving

  • Paper: Banknote-grade security paper

  • Purpose: General circulation

🔎 Collectability & Significance

The 25 Krónur 1965 (P-43) is especially desirable among collectors due to:

  • Its status as the only 25 krónur banknote ever issued

  • Limited production and short circulation period

  • Association with Iceland’s early Central Bank era

  • Growing scarcity in high-grade condition

Well-preserved examples with sharp detail and minimal wear are considerably more difficult to find than lower denominations of the same era.

25 Krónur 1965 – Iceland (Pick P-43)

Signatures guide for Icelandic currency of the period