1 yuan 1963

Common. This note, though regional in designation (Kinmen-only use), was produced as a regular issue by the Bank of Taiwan and achieved wide distribution within its intended circulation area. eBay historical sales data shows consistent trading at modest prices ($5–$60 range depending on grade), with numerous examples in UNC and near-UNC condition appearing regularly. The 2019 catalog valuation of $10 for UNC examples further supports common classification. Print runs were substantial, and the note remains readily available to collectors.

This note was originally issued in 1949 following the retreat of the Republic of China to Taiwan, but the 1963 printing reflects the continued division between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China. The inscription '限金門通用' (Limited for use in Kinmen) is historically significant, as Kinmen (Quemoy) remained a heavily militarized offshore territory of the ROC directly across from mainland China. The depiction of the Bank of Taiwan building and the island's map emphasize the legitimacy and territorial sovereignty claims of the Republic of China government.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (founder of the Republic of China and revered as the 'Father of the Nation'), positioned at center in an ornate oval medallion with red seal stamps flanking the portrait. The design employs a cream/beige background with green decorative elements, fine-line borders, and circular emblems in all four corners containing ornamental designs. The reverse displays an institutional neoclassical government building in the upper portion (likely representing the Bank of Taiwan's headquarters or a significant ROC government structure) with a detailed topographic map of Taiwan island centered below. The cartographic rendering includes geographical features and the notation of Kinmen, emphasizing the territorial scope of the issuing authority.

Front side: 台灣銀行 (Bank of Taiwan), 壹圓 (One Yuan), 限金門通用 (Limited for use in Kinmen), 中華民國卅二年 (Republic of China Year 32 [1943, though this printing is 1963]), Serial number A506219H. Back side: BANK OF TAIWAN (English), ONE YUAN (English), 金門 (Kinmen), 1949 (printing year reference).

Intaglio engraving (fine line engraving) throughout, with the ornate border patterns, intricate mesh designs, and detailed portraiture characteristic of high-security banknote production. The printer is identified as CPF (China Printing Factory). Multiple color printing with green as the dominant color overprint on a multicolored base, typical of mid-20th century ROC currency production.

This specific example shows serial number A506219H in red ink on the obverse. The 1963 printing of the original 1949 design (noted as 'Second Printing' in some references) represents the primary variety for Pick R101. Kinmen-restricted notes exist with consistent design features, though serial number prefixes may vary. The year notation of '中華民國卅二年' (ROC Year 32, corresponding to 1943 in Western calendar) on the obverse is a standard feature of this series, while the back references 1949, reflecting the original design date versus the actual printing date of 1963. No major overprints or exceptional variations are evident in this example.