1944 Greece 1 Drachma Banknote – Phoenix Rising & Wartime Resilience Pick# 320 | Numista# 208751
Issued by the Kingdom of Greece during a pivotal moment in its modern history, the 1944 1 Drachma note reflects both national symbolism and post-occupation recovery. Printed shortly after the withdrawal of Axis forces, this note represents the reassertion of Greek sovereignty and the beginning of economic stabilization.
Design Highlights
Obverse:
Dark blue on green underprint
Issuer name: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΝ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ (Kingdom of Greece)
Denomination in Greek script and numerals: ΜΙΑ ΔΡΑΧΜΗ (One Drachma)
Date: 9 November 1944
Signature of the Minister of Finance
Guilloche patterns and formal layout
Reverse:
Central image of the phoenix, symbolizing rebirth and national resilience
Issuer name and denomination repeated in corners
Printed in dark blue
Watermark:
Rooster motif
Key Specifications
Feature Description
Country Greece
Issuer Kingdom of Greece
Year of Issue 1944
Denomination 1 Drachma
Pick Number P# 320
Printer Undisclosed
Size 70 × 50 mm
Material Paper
Watermark Rooster
Security Features Guilloche patterns, watermark
Demonetized Yes – withdrawn during later currency reforms
Why Collect This Note?
The 1944 1 Drachma note is a compact yet historically charged artifact, ideal for:
Collectors of wartime or transitional currency
Enthusiasts of Greek symbolism and national identity
Gifts for those interested in post-occupation European history
Curators of demonetized Hellenic banknotes
With its phoenix imagery and wartime issuance, this note offers a poignant glimpse into Greece’s resilience and cultural continuity during a time of upheaval.
