Up for your consideration is a very rare Bank of Greece Paper Money Note in Choice Uncirculated 64 EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) 10,000 drachmai (drachma).   Issued in 1945 and as any serious paper money collector knows, large size currency rarely ever stayed uncirculated.  A simple fold in order to fit into a bill fold automatically makes the note about uncirculated.  No matter what, no matter how light the fold is.

In this time period in Greece (right after the war), these large notes were not saved or hoarded and were not part of the inflationary notes seen during the War itself which could not buy you a loaf of bread even with millions, etc.  Even very fine examples of this note sell for the $200 Euro range.  In Pikitis-Poutos book (second volume), he lists this note at $1,000 euro in simply uncirculated (about $1,400 or so US Currency).  If anyone knows anything about how notes are graded by Greek collectors and Greek paper money dealers, well, let's just say this.  It leaves a lot to be desired.  I'm Greek so I can say that without getting in trouble.

In any event, finding these notes that are in this condition and graded as beautifully as these is impossible.  Check out Lynn Knight's auctions... good luck, they are not there.  Check out Ebay... good luck they are not there.  This is a rarity that is simply not found in this grade.  Period.

This note is pick #174. 

Please view the scans and judge for yourself.  If you are a serious paper money collector, let alone a serious Greek paper money collector, this note is meant to be in your collection.  Fortune has allowed me to acquire two specimens with consecutive serial numbers.  Another little oddity that is most cherished in the Greek paper money collecting world.

This issue is so rare that advanced collectors who truly appreciate a fine example of a scarce and seldom offered piece will understand the beauty of what this note has to offer. 

The note you see is the note you will receive.  

I do accept returns on this note for any reason with the full understanding that the buyer pays all return shipping and my shipping costs will be deducted.  This note is certified by PMG (a leader in the business).  The scans are accurate and not doctored.  I do not mind accepting the item back as long as it is in the same condition when received by you (and that means the holder too).  However, I cannot absorb postage costs when an item is certified.

In addition, please note my feedback rating.  I am not here to steal or cheat from you no differently than I would not want to be lied to or cheated on here.  I am a collector first and a part-time seller on ebay from time to time.  I package quickly and ship out same day or next day at best. 

I only ship to confirmed Paypal addresses if using Paypal. This is for our mutual protection and keeps costs down for both of us. Shipments are normally shipped next day. Please note I can't control the US Postal Service delivery times. All I can do is hold up my end of the bargain and ship next day.

Please be reminded that your bid is a contract and commitment to pay. I expect payment within 3 days of the auction. If you need a few extra days, I would appreciate an e-mail giving me a heads up. If you do not pay within 7 days, I will report the sale to E-Bay as a non-paying bidder. I have to hold coins and turnover is slower, costing everyone money and time.

We strive to accurately describe the product, so that I beat your expectations. Any material problems or issues will be described. Normal toning or factors that do not affect value will be seen in the scans or pictures and not called out.  I do not edit or photoshop the pictures and or scans.  That is a gimmick and I do not tolerate it as a purchaser, and I will not do it as a seller. 

If you want the best, deal with the best.

If you have questions, please call us at 917.699.9548.

PLEASE VIEW MY OTHER LISTINGS AND FEEL FREE TO CHECK BACK ONCE AND A WHILE.  THANK YOU.


UNCIRCULATED (UNC): A perfectly preserved note, never mishandled by the issuing authority, a bank tell, the public or a collector.  The paper is clean and firm, without discoloration.  Corners are sharp and square without any evidence of rounding. (Rounded corners are often a tell-tale sign of a cleaned or "doctored" note.)

ABOUT UNCIRCULATED (AU): A virtually perfect note, with some minor handling. May show very slight evidence of bank counting folds at a corner or one light fold through the center, but not both. An AU note can not be creased, a crease being a hard fold which has usually "broken" the surface of the note. Paper is clean and bright with original sheen. Corners are not rounded.

EXTREMELY FINE (EF/XF): A very attractive note, with light handling. May have a maximum of three light folds or one strong crease. Paper is clean and bright with original sheen. Corners may show only the slightest evidence of rounding. There may also be the slightest sign of wear where a fold meets the edge.

VERY FINE (VF): An attractive note, but with more evidence of handling and wear. May have several folds both vertically and horizontally. Paper may have minimal dirt, or possible color smudging. Paper itself is still relatively crisp and floppy. There are no tears into the border area, although the edges do show slight wear. Corners also show wear but not full rounding.

FINE (F): A note which shows considerable circulation, with many folds, creases and wrinkling. Paper is not excessively dirty but may have some softness. Edges may show much handling, with minor tears in the border area. Tears may not extend into the design. There will be no center hole because of excessive folding. Colors are clear but not very bright. A staple hole or two would not be considered unusual wear in a Fine F note. Overall appearance is still on the desirable side.

VERY GOOD (VG): A well used note, abused but still intact. Corners may have much wear and rounding, tiny nicks, tears may extend into the design, some discoloration may be present, staining may have occurred, and a small hole may sometimes be seen at center from excessive folding. Staple holes and pinholes are usually present, and the note itself is quite limp but NO pieces of the note can be missing. A note in VG condition may still have an overall not unattractive appearance.

GOOD (G): A well worn and heavily used note. Normal damage from prolonged circulation will include strong multiple folds and creases, stains, pinholes and/or staple holes, dirt, discoloration, edge tears, center hole, rounded corners and an overall unattractive appearance. No large pieces of the note may be missing. Graffiti is commonly seen on notes in G condition.

FAIR (FR): A totally limp, dirty and very well used note. Larger pieces may be half torn off or missing besides the defects mentioned under the Good category. Tears will be larger, obscured portions of the note will be bigger.

POOR (PR): A "rag" with severe damage because of wear, staining, pieces missing, graffiti, larger holes. May have tape holding pieces of the note together. Trimming may have taken place to remove rough edges. A Poor note is desirable only as a "filler" or when such a note is the only one known of that particular issue.