Iceland collect




100 Krónur 1933 – Iceland (Pick P-30)

The highest denomination of Iceland’s pre-Republic era

The 100 Krónur 1933 banknote stands as the largest denomination issued in Iceland during the interwar period and represents the peak of the country’s monetary hierarchy before the establishment of the Republic in 1944. Issued by Landsbanki Íslands, this note was intended for major financial transactions, institutional use, and long-term savings rather than everyday circulation.

Because of its high value and limited practical use, the 100 krónur note circulated far less frequently than lower denominations, making it one of the most desirable Icelandic banknotes among collectors today.

🏦 Historical Context

By 1933, Landsbanki Íslands functioned as Iceland’s central monetary authority, overseeing all banknote issuance. Although Iceland was still formally connected to Denmark through the personal union with the Danish king, its financial system was fully administered domestically.

The early 1930s were shaped by the global Great Depression, which affected Iceland through reduced exports and economic uncertainty. Despite these pressures, the issuance of a 100 krónur note demonstrates confidence in Iceland’s monetary stability and the need for a high-value instrument in commerce and banking.

🎨 Design & Appearance

Obverse (Front)

  • Dominant engraved portrait of Jón Sigurðsson, the most important figure in Iceland’s independence movement.

  • Denomination “Hundrað Krónur” clearly displayed in bold, formal typography.

  • Complex guilloche patterns and fine-line engraving used as security elements.

  • Printed signatures of senior officials of Landsbanki Íslands.

  • Two serial numbers, typically printed in contrasting colors.

The obverse design emphasizes authority, national pride, and continuity with earlier high-denomination issues.

Reverse (Back)

  • Symmetrical ornamental design centered around large “100” numerals.

  • Dense engraved patterns consistent with high-quality European banknote production.

  • A conservative and formal layout reflecting the seriousness of a high-value note.

🖨️ Technical Details

  • Issuer: Landsbanki Íslands

  • Year of Issue: 1933

  • Denomination: 100 Krónur

  • Pick Number: P-30

  • Printing Method: Intaglio engraving

  • Paper: Durable banknote paper designed for long-term handling

  • Format: Large format, typical of high-denomination Icelandic banknotes

🔎 Collectability & Importance

The 100 Krónur 1933 (P-30) is considered a cornerstone of Icelandic paper money collecting due to:

  • Its status as the highest denomination of the era

  • Limited circulation and survival rates

  • Strong association with Jón Sigurðsson and national identity

  • Issuance during a key economic period in Iceland’s history

High-grade examples are scarce, as many notes were either redeemed, stored in banks, or withdrawn before heavy circulation occurred.

100 Krónur 1933 – Iceland (Pick P-30)

Signatures guide for Icelandic currency of the period