Catalog
500 Kroner Christie-issue, pattern
| Issuer | Norges Bank |
|---|---|
| Year | 1900-1901 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Size | 216 × 127 mm |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Printer | Log in to see details |
| Designer(s) | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | The obverse is printed in blue-green intaglio on a beige guilloche underprint. At left, an oval intaglio vignette contains a portrait of Stortingspresident W.F.K. Christie, rendered in fine line engraving with a decorative guilloche border. To the right, a large ornamental rosette vignette carries the numeral '500' in bold, flanked by four corner cartouches each bearing the denomination numeral. Elaborate acanthus-scroll and interlaced borders frame the entire note, with the issuer name and denomination legend occupying the upper central field. |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | NORGES BANK betaler med denne Seddel til Ihændehaveren FEM HUNDREDE KRONER GULD. NORGES BANK FEM HUNDREDE KRONER GULD |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Signature(s) | Log in to see details |
| Protection type | Log in to see details |
| Protection description | Log in to see details |
| Variants | Log in to see details |
| Comments |
Bradbury Wilkinson produced this pattern at the turn of the century for what would become one of the most scrutinized redesign debates in early Norwegian banking. The Christie-issue name refers to a proposed series that never entered circulation — the Norges Bank ultimately rejected it, leaving surviving specimens as printer's proofs rather than issued notes.
Oluf Wold-Torne, better known as a symbolist painter than a banknote designer, was an unusual choice for the commission. His involvement reflects a broader Scandinavian push in this period to recruit fine artists rather than commercial engravers for state currency work.