50 tögrög 1955

Common. Despite being from 1955, this denomination and type remain readily available in the numismatic market. eBay sales data shows consistent circulation of UNC examples at relatively modest prices ($5-$12 range for standard UNC specimens), with even higher-graded PMG examples selling in the $15-$76 range over multiple years. The 2016 catalog valuation of $30 for UNC specimens and the observed frequency of sales indicate a note with adequate surviving examples. Print runs for Mongolian currency during this period were substantial enough to support the current market supply.

This 1955 note was issued during the consolidation period of the Mongolian People's Republic, following its establishment as a Soviet satellite state. The prominence of Sukhe-Bataar, the revolutionary hero and first leader of Mongolia, reflects the socialist iconography of the era, while the State emblem featuring traditional Mongolian symbols (yurt, animals) represents the fusion of revolutionary communist ideology with Mongolian national identity. The inscription emphasizing the note's backing by precious metals and foreign currency reserves reflects the economic policies and assurances of the early socialist Mongolian state.

The obverse features a light greenish-beige background with ornate guilloche patterns throughout. On the left is the State emblem of the Mongolian People's Republic, displayed within a scalloped decorative frame, incorporating traditional Mongolian iconography including a yurt and symbolic animals. The center-top bears Cyrillic text identifying the issuing authority. On the right side is an oval portrait of Sukhe-Bataar (Damdin Sükhbaatar), Mongolia's revolutionary hero and founding leader, depicted in formal dark attire. The denomination '50' appears in large numerals in all four corners. The reverse maintains the symmetrical design aesthetic with a light greenish-white background, featuring a large ornate central medallion containing legal text. Corner designs display decorative rosette or flower-like elements flanking large '50' numerals, rendered in pink/salmon and green tones. The overall composition reflects classical European banknote design principles adapted for socialist Mongolia.

FRONT SIDE: 'Бүтэн Найрамдах Монгол Ард Улс' (Mongolian People's Republic) / 'УЛСЫН БАНК' (State Bank) / 'Банкны төмлөгтүүдийн БНМАУлсын, Улсын Банкны үнэт металл, гадаадын валют бараа ба бусад активаар батлагдана' (The Bank's obligations under the MPRA State Bank are secured by precious metals, foreign currency, and other assets) / 'ТАВАН ТӨГРӨГ' (Fifty Tögrög) / Serial number: 888112 АВ / Date: 1955. BACK SIDE: 'ТАВАН ТӨГРӨГ' (Fifty Tögrög) / Date: 1955 / 'Хэрэв банкны төмдөгтүүдийг хүүрамчаар үйлдвэл гэмт эргээдийг хүүл ёсоор хариуцлагад татна' (If bank notes are counterfeited, those responsible will be subject to legal liability).

This note exhibits the characteristic features of intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the intricate guilloche patterns, fine line engraving work visible on the coat of arms, and the precision of the portrait rendering. The ornate scalloped frames, decorative rosettes, and detailed central medallion demonstrate high-quality security engraving typical of 1950s-era banknote production. While specific printer information for Mongolian notes of this period is limited, these notes were likely produced by a Soviet security printer, consistent with Mongolia's close Soviet ties during this period.

Based on the visual analysis, this is a standard issue of the 1955 50 tögrög with no obvious overprints or unusual printing variations. The serial number observed is 888112 АВ. Known varieties for this Pick number may include different signature combinations or serial number prefixes typical of 1955 production, though specific documented varieties are not readily available in standard catalogs. The consistent design elements and printing quality suggest this is from the main production run rather than a limited or commemorative issue.