50 chon 1947
About This Note
This is a North Korean 50 chon banknote from 1947, issued by the North Korea Central Bank in pristine uncirculated condition. The note features an exceptionally ornate design with baroque-style scrollwork, floral patterns, and geometric ornamentation rendered in dark blue on a cream-colored background, with a central shield bearing an eagle emblem on the reverse. The fine mesh and cross-hatch security patterns visible throughout, combined with the sophisticated line engraving work, demonstrate the high production standards of early North Korean currency.
Common. This is an early issue from a major state central bank during an active circulation period. The 1947 North Korean issues are baseline denominations that were produced in substantial quantities to support the new nation's monetary system. The denomination (50 chon) and uncirculated condition do not indicate scarcity; early North Korean notes remain relatively accessible to collectors compared to later, more restricted issues.
This note was issued in 1947, immediately following Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule and during the critical period of the division between North and South Korea. The use of traditional Korean Hanja characters ('朝鮮民主主義人民共和國' — Democratic People's Republic of Korea) reflects the new North Korean state's establishment and assertion of sovereignty. The eagle and shield motif on the reverse represent national symbols adopted by the Korean communist state during this formative period of independent governance.
The note features a symmetrical, highly decorative design emphasizing ornamental rather than representational imagery. The obverse displays an elaborate rectangular border with baroque scrollwork, acanthus-leaf flourishes, and interlocking floral vine patterns in dark blue, enclosing a plain central area. The reverse presents a similar ornamental frame surrounding a central coat of arms or national shield featuring a prominent eagle, flanked by large '50' numerals at left and right. The overall aesthetic reflects early 20th-century European banknote design conventions rather than specifically Korean iconographic traditions, suggesting the use of existing engraved dies or international security printer templates. Fine parallel line shading and mesh patterns throughout provide anti-counterfeiting security.
Front: '北朝鮮中央銀行券' (Bank of North Korea Note), '五拾銭' (50 Chon), '1947' (year). Back: '朝鮮民主主義人民共和國' (Democratic People's Republic of Korea), '50' (denomination in Arabic numerals, appearing twice), '元' (Won/Yuan currency unit).
Intaglio (line engraving), evidenced by the fine detail in the scrollwork, the precise cross-hatch and mesh background patterns, and the varying line densities visible in shading and border work. The sophisticated execution suggests professional security printer production, though the specific printer is not identified in the available catalog data. The consistent fine line work and absence of printing defects indicate high-quality, carefully controlled production standards typical of central bank currency manufacture.
Pick catalog number P-7a designation indicates this is the primary variety of the 50 chon 1947 issue. No specific signature, serial number prefix, or printer varieties are evident from the visual analysis. The note exhibits standard characteristics of the first North Korean currency series without documented sub-varieties or rare printing variations.
