50 won 1978

common. This Pick P-21b note from 1978 is a standard-circulation denomination from the DPRK's regular issue series. Print runs for North Korean currency of this period were substantial given its use as everyday legal tender. The note's uncirculated condition grade reflects preservation rather than rarity, as such notes were produced in large quantities and many survivors exist in collections today. Without evidence of specific print run limitations, recalls, or extraordinary scarcity markers, this note should be classified as common within its denomination and year, though notable for its iconographic and historical significance to collectors of socialist-era currency.

Issued in 1978 by the North Korea Central Bank during the height of the Kim Il-sung era, this note reflects the regime's emphasis on revolutionary ideology and national pride through its imagery of heroic workers or soldiers. The juxtaposition of socialist revolutionary figures on the front with a romanticized natural landscape on the reverse embodies the DPRK's dual propaganda messaging: human dedication to the state and the nation's pristine natural resources. The 1978 date places this note in a period of relative economic activity before the severe economic decline that would follow in subsequent decades.

The front features a central heroic composition depicting four figures in what appears to be revolutionary or worker's attire, with the leftmost figure prominently raising a flag or banner in a gesture of defiance or triumph, while the other three look upward with determined expressions. To the left is the state emblem of North Korea—a circular design featuring a red star at the apex above a stylized representation of Mount Paektu or similar architectural/geographical symbol, dated 1978 below. Large ornate circular denomination numerals '50' appear in the top right and bottom right corners with decorative border patterns. The back depicts an expansive romantic landscape: a prominent coniferous tree (likely larch or pine) in the left foreground, dense evergreen forests in the middle distance, a tranquil alpine lake with mirror-like reflections in the center, and snow-capped mountain peaks rising majestically in the background under a light sky. Pink flowering blossoms (possibly representing native flora) accent the lower left corner, with decorative vine borders on the right edge and circular denomination markers in the lower corners.

Front side: '조선민주주의인민공화국' (Democratic People's Republic of Korea), '중앙은행' (Central Bank), '1978' (year), '오십원' (50 won), and serial number '07026249' / '67 026249'. Back side: '조선민주주의인민공화국중앙은행' (Central Bank of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea), '오십원' (50 won, repeated twice on lower corners). All text appears in both Korean Hangul script and numerical denominations.

Intaglio engraving (recess printing) combined with multicolor offset lithography, evidenced by the fine, intricate line work visible throughout both sides, complex overlapping background patterns, and the precise registration of multiple colors (olive green, beige, pink, light blue, brown, and white). The detailed scenic perspective on the reverse and the fine geometric patterning on the obverse are characteristic of high-security currency printing standards employed by North Korea's state printing authority during this period.

Pick P-21b is the second series printing of the 50 won denomination from 1978. The 'b' designation typically indicates a variation in either the printer's mark, signature variants, or subtle design modifications compared to the P-21a version. The observed serial number format '67 026249' and placement appear consistent with 1978 issue standards. No overprints, special markings, or commemorative variants are evident in this specimen. Collectors should note that earlier P-21a versions exist and may show different technical or design characteristics worthy of comparative study.