The substitution series (1944)

The series was secretly developed in 1943 and 1944. It was used for the money changeover in 1945 immediately after the end of World War II. The faces of most of the banknotes were designed by the painter and illustrator Gerhard Heilmann. The banknotes in this series will no longer be legal tender after 31 May 2025.


5-krone banknote

Issued: 1945
Format: 130 x 72 mm
Motifs: Interwoven figures of five | Rosettes with the small coat of arms in the middle.

Please notice: This banknote cannot be deposited into bank accounts. It has not been legal tender since 1954.

10-krone banknote

Issued: 1945-1947
Format: 131 x 80 mm | 130 x 80 mm
Motifs (upgraded version): Seaweed decoration | Rosettes with the small coat of arms in the middle.

Please notice: Neither the original version from 1944 nor the upgraded version from 1947 can be deposited into bank accounts. They have not been legal tender since 1954.

50-krone banknote

Issued: 1945
Format: 156 x 103 mm
Motifs: Boat with fishermen | Rosettes with the small coat of arms in the middle.

Please notice: Issued in two versions. Light purple and dark purple.

100-krone banknote

Issued: 1945
Format: 156 x 103 mm
Motifs: Seaweed decoration surrounded by dolphins | Rosettes with the small coat of arms in the middle.

Please notice: Issued in two versions. Light green and dark green.

500-krone banknote

Issued: 1945
Format: 174 x 108 mm
Motifs: Farmer behind horse-drawn plough | Rosettes with the small coat of arms in the middle.

Not sure whether the banknote is genuine?

Have you found or received an older banknote and are you not sure whether it is genuine? We have prepared an overview of the security features (pdf), so that you know what to look for on the individual banknotes and series.