200 GRD #227

Front

Geometric design with central denomination '200 ΔΡΑΧΜΑΙ' in ornate guilloche rosette, without portrait. The note bears the text 'ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ' (Bank of Greece) and 'ΕΚΔΟΣΙΣ ΠΡΩΤΗ' (First Issue). This design typifies the simplified, non-portrait banknotes issued during the Axis occupation of Greece (1941–1944), a period marked by catastrophic hyperinflation that rendered the drachma nearly worthless.

Back

Denomination '200 ΔΙΑΚΟΣΙΑΙ ΔΡΑΧΜΑΙ' (two hundred drachmas) at center with ornate guilloche patterns and Greek key meander borders. A red overprint stamp reading 'ΚΖ Σελλασίε' appears at upper right, likely a validation or control mark. The reverse design mirrors the front's emphasis on security printing rather than national iconography, reflecting wartime exigencies.

History

This 200 drachma note belongs to the first issue series (ΕΚΔΟΣΙΣ ΠΡΩΤΗ) printed during the Axis occupation of Greece (1941–1944). The occupation triggered one of history's worst hyperinflations, with the drachma losing virtually all value as occupation authorities printed massive quantities of currency. By 1944, notes of astronomical denominations were required for basic transactions. Following liberation, Greece undertook currency reform to stabilize the drachma. These occupation-era notes are historically significant as tangible evidence of economic warfare and civilian suffering during WWII.