10 yuan 1945

Scarce. Soviet military occupation currency from Korea in 1945 represents a short-lived, limited-circulation monetary system that was quickly superseded by other issues as the geopolitical situation evolved. The specific issuer (Soviet Military Command) and the transitional nature of the occupation currency suggest a relatively restricted print run compared to standard national issues. The observed condition grade (F - Fair) and visible archival markings suggest institutional/collector preservation rather than general circulation survival, further indicating limited surviving specimens of this particular Pick number.

This note represents a rare monetary artifact from the immediate post-WWII period when Soviet forces occupied North Korea in 1945. The bilingual Korean-Chinese inscriptions and explicit reference to 'North Army Command' (북은군데 사령부) on the front reflect the Soviet military administration's attempt to establish monetary control in the occupied zone. The wartime penalty clause visible on the reverse ('퇴폐의 조자는 전시법령에 처벌함') underscores the provisional and coercive nature of this military-issued currency during the transition from Japanese colonial rule to Soviet occupation.

The note features a symmetrical design centered on an ornate oval cartouche containing large Chinese characters (likely representing the denomination). All four corners display the numeral '10' within decorative rectangular boxes. The dominant design elements consist of baroque-style ornamental scrollwork and floral flourishes framing the central oval. Fine-line engraving creates intricate geometric and interlocking patterns throughout the background, with complex mesh-work designs visible particularly on the reverse. The color scheme employs purple and cream/beige tones with green-tinted elements in the central frame, typical of 1940s security printing aesthetics. No portraits or specific landmarks are depicted; the design relies entirely on abstract decorative elements and calligraphic text.

FRONT: '북은군데 사령부' (North Army Command); '拾 원' (10 won); Serial number 'HY 935176'; '1945' with date marker; '금전출납의 책임은 정법인이·' (Responsibility for cash handling is by law). BACK: '拾 원' (10 won); '퇴폐의 조자는 전시법령에 처벌함·' (Violation of regulations subject to wartime law penalties).

Intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the fine-line engraving patterns, detailed geometric meshwork, intricate scrollwork, and the characteristic appearance of baroque decorative elements throughout. The security features including multiple serial number impressions and fine background patterns are consistent with high-quality security engraving techniques employed by Soviet military administration printers during the 1945 occupation period. The crisp detail visible in the ornamental borders and geometric patterns confirms deep-plate intaglio production methods.

Serial number prefix 'HY' observed on specimen (HY 935176). This prefix likely denotes a specific printing batch or series designation by the Soviet military printers. The 1945 date is confirmed with mixed Korean/Chinese notation. No other noted varieties (signatures, overprints, or color variants) are evident from the visual analysis, though such variations may exist across the full print run. The specific Pick catalog assignment remains to be determined based on comprehensive Soviet occupation currency catalogs.