50 chon 1959
About This Note
This is a North Korean 50 Chon banknote from 1959 (Pick P-12), issued by the Central Bank of Korea during the early years of the DPRK. The note features an ornate design with a circular emblem containing a building and star on the front, framed by intricate geometric and floral decorative patterns in blue, orange, red, and cream tones. The example presented is in Fair (F) condition, showing significant circulation wear including multiple creases, foxing, and general discoloration consistent with a 1959 vintage note that has seen considerable use.
common. The 50 Chon denomination from 1959 was issued as part of North Korea's standard circulation coinage during the early years of the DPRK. No evidence of limited print runs, recall status, or short-lived issuing authority exists for this Pick number. Notes from this series regularly appear in collector channels and circulate in surviving examples despite the passage of time. Fair condition examples are particularly common as they represent typical circulation wear.
This note was issued in 1959, during the formative years of North Korea's independent monetary system following the establishment of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The circular emblem featuring a building and star likely represents an important state structure or monument, reflecting the regime's iconography of the period. The ornate engraved design with traditional Korean aesthetic elements demonstrates the Central Bank's commitment to creating distinctive currency that reflected national identity during the early Cold War era.
The obverse features a prominent circular emblem on the left containing an architectural structure (likely a government building or state monument) surmounted by a red star, a symbol central to North Korean state iconography. The denomination '50 Chon' is displayed in large characters within an ornate scalloped cartouche with orange/red and blue coloring in the center-right area. The reverse presents a symmetrical design emphasizing the denomination through multiple layered, cloud-shaped decorative frames in the center. Both sides are dominated by fine guilloche (fine line) patterns and elaborate geometric and floral borders typical of mid-20th century engraved banknote design. The color palette of blue, orange, red, cream, and yellow/gold creates a visually distinctive appearance characteristic of early DPRK currency.
Front side: '조선민주주의인민공화국' (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) at top; '조선중앙은행' (Central Bank of Korea/Joseon Central Bank); '오십전' (50 Chon) appears twice in decorative cartouches; '50' in Arabic numerals; '1959' in Arabic numerals; Serial number 'DD 094546' in red. Back side: '조선중앙은행' (Central Bank of Korea/Joseon Central Bank); '오십전' (50 Chon) appears twice; '50' in Arabic numerals.
Intaglio engraving (recess printing), evidenced by the fine guilloche background patterns, detailed geometric borders, and the depth of the printed impressions visible in the ornamental cartouches. The multi-layered decorative frames and intricate line work are consistent with traditional banknote engraving techniques employed by state security printers of this era. The red serial number application suggests additional spot-color printing or overprinting.
Serial number DD 094546 observed on this example. The 1959 50 Chon (P-12) has been documented with various serial number prefixes and sequences. No major design varieties (such as signature variations or significant overprints) are known for this denomination, though specific serial number ranges may have subtle printing variations consistent with extended production runs typical of active circulation currency.
