1 gold yen 1915

Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales ranging from $29 to $70 USD for circulated examples (F grade), with even PMG-graded specimens selling for $57-$72 in recent years. The 2016 catalog values ($13 VG, $50 VF, $150 UNC) and frequent auction activity indicate this is a regularly traded note with adequate supply. The AU condition grade specimen here falls within typical market expectations for this note type.

Issued by the Bank of Taiwan, Limited (a Japanese colonial-era institution established during Japan's rule of Taiwan), this 1915 note represents the modernization of currency in the colonial territory. The architectural imagery on the obverse likely depicts a significant Japanese administrative or military structure built during the occupation period, while the coastal seascape on the reverse reflects Taiwan's strategic maritime importance to the Japanese Empire. The English-language promise to pay in gold reflects the international financial standards of the pre-WWI era and the cosmopolitan nature of colonial commercial banking.

The obverse features a centrally positioned large circular yuan denomination emblem surrounded by ornate cream and blue decorative borders. To the right is an engraved landscape depicting what is likely a Japanese colonial-era fortified gate or administrative tower (possibly a customs house or military garrison building) accessed by an impressive grand staircase, with landscaped grounds and trees, rendered in sepia and green tones. An ornate square geometric seal with intricate patterns occupies the left side. The reverse presents a maritime seascape with a calm body of water, distant shoreline, and hills rendered in dark green and ochre tones, flanked by matching ornate square geometric seals in green. Both sides incorporate fine line-work cross-hatching, decorative corner ornaments, and multiple layers of engraved detail characteristic of security printing of the period.

FRONT: '臺灣銀行券' (Bank of Taiwan Note) / '日本銀行券' (Bank of Japan Note) / '圓圓' (Yuan/Yen, denomination) / '亦可相直に引此也且渡圓金換券' (This note can be exchanged for gold yuan) / Serial number: 553492 / Plate/Reference mark: (53). BACK: 'THE BANK OF TAIWAN, LIMITED' (English title) / 'PROMISES TO PAY THE BEARER' (English promise clause) / 'ON DEMAND ONE YEN IN GOLD' (English redemption clause) / '圓' (Yuan/Yen) / '臺灣銀行株式會社' (Taiwan Bank Company/Corporation).

Intaglio (steel plate engraving), the standard security printing method for banknotes of this era. The fine line work, cross-hatching patterns, and intricate detail throughout indicate professional banknote security printing, likely executed by a Japanese government printing works or contracted security printer serving the colonial administration. The multi-color overprinting technique (blue/lilac/light green on obverse; dark green/ochre on reverse) suggests advanced chromatic separation printing capabilities.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-1921 and corresponds to S/M (Shafer/Medlar) number T70-20. The observed serial number is 553492 with plate mark (53). No major varieties (different signatures, dates, or overprints) are evident from the visual analysis, suggesting this represents a standard issue from the regular printing series. The denomination is confirmed as 1 Gold Yen in both English and Chinese-language legends.