Iceland collect




50 Krónur 1929 – Iceland (Pick P-25)

A high-denomination national banknote issued by Landsbanki Íslands

The 50 Krónur 1929 banknote is one of the most important high-value Icelandic notes from the interwar period. Issued by Landsbanki Íslands, it belongs to the first full generation of Icelandic banknotes produced under centralized national control rather than private banking authority.

As one of the highest denominations in circulation at the time, this note played a crucial role in larger commercial transactions and reflects Iceland’s growing economic maturity during the late 1920s.

🏦 Historical Background

By 1927, Landsbanki Íslands had become the sole issuing authority for Icelandic paper money. The 1929 series was issued during a period of relative stability, just before the onset of the global Great Depression.

Although Iceland remained under the Danish crown, it exercised increasing autonomy over its internal financial affairs. Banknotes issued in this period symbolized national confidence and administrative independence, even before Iceland formally became a republic in 1944.

Due to Iceland’s small population and limited economic scale, print quantities were modest, particularly for higher denominations like the 50 krónur.

🎨 Design & Appearance

Obverse (Front)

  • A finely engraved portrait of Jón Sigurðsson, the leading figure of Iceland’s independence movement.

  • The denomination “Fimmtíu Krónur” prominently displayed in ornate lettering.

  • Elaborate guilloche borders and dense line engraving, combining visual elegance with security.

  • Official printed signatures of authorized Landsbanki Íslands officials.

  • Serial numbers printed in strong contrasting ink, positioned symmetrically.

Reverse (Back)

  • A highly decorative symmetrical design featuring Icelandic national motifs.

  • Large numeral “50” repeated for clarity and denomination recognition.

  • Fine-line background patterns typical of professional late-1920s banknote engraving.

The overall design reflects the peak of pre-Depression Icelandic banknote artistry.

🖨️ Technical Details

  • Issuer: Landsbanki Íslands

  • Year of Issue: 1929

  • Denomination: 50 Krónur

  • Pick Number: P-25

  • Printing Method: High-quality intaglio engraving

  • Paper: Professional banknote paper, more durable than earlier treasury issues

  • Format: Large format consistent with higher denominations of the series

🔎 Collectability & Importance

The 50 Krónur 1929 (P-25) is a cornerstone note for collectors of Icelandic paper money:

  • One of the highest denominations issued by Landsbanki Íslands before the Depression

  • Printed in relatively small quantities

  • Subject to heavy use in commerce, reducing survival rates

  • Particularly scarce in Very Fine and higher grades

Because of its size, value, and circulation history, examples with clean margins and strong paper quality are increasingly difficult to obtain.

50 Krónur 1929 – Iceland (Pick P-25)

Signatures guide for Icelandic currency of the period