5 GRD #230

Front

Ancient Greek warriors depicted in classical profile wearing Corinthian helmets, representing the martial heritage of classical Greece. This design invoked ancient Greek military glory during the Axis occupation of Greece (1941–1944). The note is dated 18 June 1941 (ΕΝ ΑΘΗΝΑΙΣ ΤΗ 18 ΙΟΥΝΙΟΥ 1941) and was issued by the Greek State administration under occupation authority. The text states the note is payable in Athens and references Legislative Decree No. 193 of 17 June 1941.

Back

Doric column in the center flanked by ornate guilloche patterns containing the denomination numeral 5, symbolizing classical Greek architecture and continuity with ancient Hellenic civilization. The back references the legislative decree authorizing the note (ΝΟΜΟΘΕΤΙΚΟΝ ΔΙΑΤΑΓΜΑ ΥΠ' ΑΡΙΘ. 193 ΤΗΣ 17ης ΙΟΥΝΙΟΥ 1941) and warns against counterfeiting and forgery according to law.

History

This 5 drachma note was issued during the Axis occupation of Greece (1941–1945) following the German and Italian invasion in April 1941. The Greek State puppet government, established under occupation, issued these emergency notes to address severe wartime currency shortages and hyperinflation. Printed by Aspiotis-ELKA, a Greek printing firm based in Athens, these occupation-era notes featured classical Greek motifs to maintain national identity despite foreign control. The notes were withdrawn and demonetized after Greece's liberation in 1944–1945. Series KZ indicates one of several series issued during this period.