The front side of the 500-kroon banknote features Carl Robert Jakobsen (1841–1882) – a leading figure of the national awakening movement, politician and active writer on issues of general interest and importance. He wrote textbooks that were highly appreciated in Estonian schools for decades. In 1878, C. R. Jakobson established a political newspaper Sakala with literary and agricultural supplements. The paper quickly became a vital promoter of the national and cultural awakening taking place in Estonia at the time. His farm in Kurgja set an example to Estonian farmers due to the novel techniques he used in agriculture. To the right of the portrait there is a motif of the newspaper’s title; below, a sheaf bound with a yellow ribbon is depicted. The text on the ribbon says: “Written by C. R. Jakobson”. To the left of the ribbon is a woman with a sickle and to the right a man with a scythe.
Reverse description
The back side of the banknote features a view of the South Estonian landscape with forests, meadows and a lake. In the foreground, the Estonian national bird – the barn swallow – is flying.
Signature(s)
Protection type
Watermark
Protection description
Watermark depicting three lions; it can be seen when the
banknote is held against the light. The watermark is divided into
two parts on the edges of the banknote: one displays the head,
forelegs and body of the lions, and the other, their hind legs.
Obverse lettering
500 krooni
EESTI PANK
Sakala.
CARL ROBERT JAKOBSON (1841–1882)
PRESIDENT
NŌUKOGU LIIGE
1991
