1 yuan 1961
Market Prices
47 salesAbout This Note
This is an exceptionally well-preserved 1961 Taiwan 1 Yuan note in UNC condition, featuring a striking portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen on the obverse and the Presidential Palace on the reverse. The note exhibits crisp engraving throughout with sharp print quality, vibrant color contrasts between the dark blue-green and purple obverse and the green-toned reverse, and excellent preservation with no visible wear, creases, or damage—making it an attractive example of early Republic of China currency.
Common. eBay market data shows this note in UNC condition regularly sells in the $1.79–$5.60 range, with most transactions under $10. The 2019 catalog value lists UNC at $5, and recent UNC sales (2020–2025) average approximately $2–$4. The consistent availability of examples across multiple condition grades and the relatively low realized prices indicate this was a standard circulation issue with substantial print runs. No evidence of rarity or limited availability.
Issued in Year 50 of the Republic of China (1961), this note commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1911 Proclamation of the Republic that established Sun Yat-sen's revolutionary government. The obverse features Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic, alongside the Chinshui cliffs (Hualian)—a dramatic natural landmark on Taiwan's east coast symbolizing the island's natural beauty and strategic importance as the seat of the Republic's government after the 1949 relocation.
The obverse depicts Dr. Sun Yat-sen (the founder of the Republic of China) in formal profile facing left, rendered in fine engraving detail at the left side of the note. To the right is a dramatic rocky coastal formation—specifically the Chinshui cliffs near Hualian on Taiwan's east coast, with a natural arch formation and seascape visible in the background. The center features an intricate circular rosette design with elaborate floral patterns serving as a security element. The reverse showcases the Presidential Palace in Taipei (the official residence of the President of the Republic of China), depicted as a grand institutional building with a prominent central tower and spire, surrounded by landscaped grounds, multiple architectural wings, and a formal courtyard. Both sides are framed by ornamental decorative borders with floral and geometric patterns, corner shield-like medallions, and red rectangular security seals flanking the rosette on the obverse.
Front side: '臺灣銀行' (Bank of Taiwan), '中華民國五十年' (Republic of China, Year 50 [1961]), 'Q545019S' (serial number). Back side: '1' (denomination numeral in corner medallions). No additional inscriptions observed on reverse.
Engraved banknote printed by PFBT (Perkins Bacon Beagle & Company or similar security printer). The fine line work, detailed architectural rendering, intricate rosette design, and crisp border patterns are characteristic of traditional steel or copper plate engraving techniques. Color separation and multi-color printing achieved through successive engraved plate passes for the dark blue-green and purple on the obverse and green toning on the reverse.
Serial number observed: Q545019S. This appears to be a standard example from the regular 1961 issue. The letter prefix 'Q' may indicate a specific series or print batch, but without access to comprehensive serial number documentation for this Pick number, the specific variety classification cannot be definitively determined from this example alone. No overprints, date variations, or other notable variety markers are visible in this specimen.
