Norway 10 Kroner 1944 Norges Bank, P-20b
Norwegian London issues of 1942 (issued in exile for a planned post-war currency reform) that never were issued (except for the 1- and 2-kroner notes).
Obverse: Value and Coat of arms of Norway.
Reverse: Royal Monogram of King Haakon VII of Norway at centre and value at left and right.
Printer: Waterlow & Sons Limited, London.
During Norway's five years under German control, many Norwegians surreptitiously wore clothing or jewelry made from coins bearing Haakon's "H7" monogram as symbols of resistance to the German occupation and of solidarity with their exiled king and government. The king's monogram was also painted and otherwise reproduced on various surfaces as a show of resistance to the occupation.
London issues
Notes issued by the Norwegian Government i exile in London, to be used by allied forces during the liberation of Norway. Some notes were circulated in 1945, but most were never issued and destroyed.
There were two issues, one dated 1942 and the other dated 1944. The 1942 issue was a complete issue, with 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 kroner notes. The colours were different, otherwise the 1944 issue was like the 1942 issue, but the open field on the right side was used for large numerals and the word "KRIGSSEDDEL" ("War note") was stamped on the front. Only 5, 10, 50 and 100 kroner were issued.
The 1942 issue was intended for use after the war, in a currency changeover but for some mysterious reason all but the 1 and 2 kroner notes of the 1942 issue were destroyed (save for a handful of sets). The rather austere 3rd issue was used instead.
The 1 and 2 kroner notes were issued during the liberation of Norway (spring of 1945 in Finnmark, which was liberated by Russian troops and in the summer of 1945 in the rest of the country), together with the 1944 issue of the larger denominations.