1 yen 1944

Common. The eBay historical price data shows this note regularly selling in the $5-$6 range for VF condition, with even PMG-graded examples (grade 40) achieving only $25.10. The 2016 catalog valuations place VF examples at $5 and UNC at $18, indicating robust circulation among collectors with adequate supply. Standard print runs from the 1944 Bank of Taiwan emissions were substantial, and the note does not appear on recognized lists of short-run or recalled issues. The relatively modest pricing at all condition levels confirms common status.

Issued by the Bank of Taiwan in 1944 under the Japanese Imperial Government's control, this banknote reflects Taiwan's colonial period during World War II. The architectural imagery on the obverse—depicting a pagoda or temple structure framed by trees—represents traditional Taiwanese landmarks, while the reverse's coastal landscape with lighthouse symbolizes Taiwan's strategic maritime geography during this era. The explicit inscription 'Japanese Imperial Government banknote' (日本帝國政府紙幣) underscores Taiwan's status as a territory under direct Japanese administration.

The obverse features an elaborate ornamental frame with geometric patterns and scrollwork in all four corners, establishing a symmetrical classical design. The central focal point is a large circular medallion in orange/tan color containing Chinese denomination characters, overlaid with a red imperial seal stamp. To the left is an architectural pagoda or temple structure framed by vegetation, representing a significant Taiwanese landmark. The reverse presents a detailed landscape engraving depicting a coastal seascape with a prominent lighthouse point and mountainous background, all framed by similar ornate scrollwork borders. A rectangular cartouche on the right side contains the issuing authority inscription. The color palette of gray, black, tan/orange, and olive-green underprints reflects period Japanese security printing practices.

Front side: '高圓' (High Circle/Yuan High - denomination reference); '臺灣銀行發行' (Issued by Bank of Taiwan); '日本帝國政府紙幣' (Japanese Imperial Government Banknote); '993' (serial number elements). Back side: '圓日' (Yuan Ri/Yen - denomination); '臺灣銀行共募' (Bank of Taiwan co-collection/issue). All inscriptions are in traditional Chinese characters reflecting the formal bilingual (Japanese administration, Chinese language) documentation of the occupation period.

Intaglio engraving (recess printing), characterized by the fine-line engraving patterns observed throughout both sides, particularly evident in the ornate geometric border designs and detailed landscape elements. The elaborate scrollwork and security patterns were executed using steel die engraving typical of Bank of Taiwan's 1944-era operations. The multi-color printing with distinct underprints (gray, ochre, olive-green) indicates a multi-pass printing process standard for Japanese imperial currency production.

This note corresponds to Pick catalog 1925b, the 1944 date variety (as opposed to the 1933 ND issue cataloged as 1925a). The Schwan-Boling/Museum reference designates this as S/M number T70-40. The block number system (series number only, without full serial numbering in this era) is visible on the example. No major printing varieties (signature variations, significant overprints, or date errors) are recorded for this specific Pick number, though collectors should note the distinction between 1933 and 1944 emissions when cataloging.