Although some expressed doubt about the existence of the banknote Kingdom of Yugoslavia 500 dinars from 1939 without overprint, and for which there is a good reason, indirect evidence recently appeared that this banknote actually exists. Colleague Marko Miletić from Belgrade managed to get a photocopy of this banknote that was made about 30 years ago.
After years of speculation and data pointing in various directions, we have finally arrived at circumstantial evidence that a complete numbered banknote actually exists. This discovery is extremely significant for all banknote enthusiasts and numismatics in general.
Colleague Miletić had the privilege of visiting an experienced and renowned collector who kindly shared a part of his impressive collection. In that collection, Miletić was surprised to come across a photocopy of the aforementioned banknote.
The gentleman who visited the collection some thirty years ago held this banknote in his hands. After obtaining permission, he made a photocopy which he kept in his album, which is part of his extraordinary collection. According to him, the banknote then traveled to Dubrovnik, and then further to the United States of America.
What makes this banknote even more interesting is the regular serial number and the SPECIMEN overprint located on the obverse and reverse of the banknote.
Although the original banknote is currently somewhere out of reach, the photocopy that colleague Miletić managed to see provides us with visual proof that this rare banknote actually exists. This encourages us to further search for the original which is „out there somewhere“ and waiting for the „light of day.“.
Photos: Marko Miletić
