Description
📄 Basic Information
Country: Greece
Denomination: 500 Drachmai
Year: 1983
Catalog number: Pick #201a
Issuer: Bank of Greece (Τράπεζα της Ελλάδος)
Serial number on your note: 12 Ω 879703
Grading company: DIM Currency
Grade: Very Fine (VF-20)
👤 Portrait
The portrait on the note is Rigas Feraios (Rigas Velestinlis) — a famous Greek writer and revolutionary who inspired the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire.
🏛️ Design Features
Front (Obverse):
Portrait of Rigas Feraios.
Greek text:
ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ (Bank of Greece).
Denomination written as ΠΕΝΤΑΚΟΣΙΕΣ ΔΡΑΧΜΕΣ (500 drachmas).
Ornate security background patterns.
Back (Reverse):
Image of a historic building in Athens (associated with Greek cultural heritage).
Large denomination numerals 500.
Decorative classical Greek design elements.
🧾 Condition (VF-20)
“Very Fine” means:
Moderate circulation.
Several folds and creases.
Paper still intact with clear details.
Colors and design remain visible but slightly worn.
Your note clearly shows folds and circulation marks, which is consistent with VF-20.
💰 Collector Value (approx.)
Typical market prices for this note:
VF condition: about $6 – $15 USD
Uncirculated: up to $25 – $40 USD
Graded notes sometimes sell a little higher depending on collector demand.
📚 Interesting Fact
The Greek drachma was Greece’s currency for over 2,500 years before being replaced by the euro in 2002.