

This 1954 Bank of Taiwan 1 Yuan note in VF condition presents an excellent example of early Republic of China currency featuring the iconic portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen on the obverse. The note displays the characteristic blue and cream color scheme with ornate decorative elements and shows moderate aging consistent with seven decades of circulation, including visible creasing and foxing throughout, yet maintains strong legibility and structural integrity.
Common. The eBay price data provided demonstrates consistent market activity with multiple sales ranging from approximately $2-$16, with VF-graded examples selling for $3.80-$4.05 historically and catalogue values listing VF at $4 (2016). The regular issue status, substantial print run typical of 1954 Bank of Taiwan notes, and steady availability in the secondary market all confirm this as a common date and denomination.
Issued by the Bank of Taiwan in 1954, this note reflects the early period of the Republic of China's monetary consolidation following the relocation of the government to Taiwan. The front features Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China, while the reverse depicts the Bank of Taiwan building in Taipei, symbolizing institutional authority and economic stability during Taiwan's post-war reconstruction era.
The obverse features a formal portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen in the center, depicted with characteristic military-style formal attire and distinctive mustache, enclosed in an oval frame. The portrait is flanked by two red square seals typical of Chinese official currency design. Below the portrait is an ornate floral emblem with symmetrical baroque-style decoration containing the character for 'one.' The reverse displays an architectural rendering of the Bank of Taiwan building in Taipei, depicted within a circular ornate frame showing classical colonial-style architecture with columns and steps. Both sides feature decorative corner flourishes and fine line engraving throughout the background. The dominant color scheme of blue and cream provides strong contrast and visual appeal.
Front side: '臺灣銀行' (Bank of Taiwan), '壹圓' (One Yuan), '中華民國' (Republic of China), 'P775386M' (serial number in alphanumeric format). Back side: 'BANK OF TAIWAN' (English text at top), 'ONE YUAN' (English text at bottom), '1954' (year of issue), ornamental emblem containing '壹' (one).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), as evidenced by the fine, detailed line work visible in the background patterns, architectural rendering, and portrait details described in the visual analysis. This was the standard security printing technique for the Bank of Taiwan's currency during this period. The ornate decorative borders and the precise execution of fine lines are characteristic of high-quality intaglio banknote production from the 1950s.
The observed serial number 'P775386M' indicates a standard printing variety from the 1954 issue. No overprints, commemorative markings, or unusual signatures are evident in the visual analysis. This appears to be a standard circulation variety from the regular issue production run. Variety identification would require examination of serial number prefix patterns and signature variations that are not distinctly identifiable from the provided images.