10 000 yuan 1949
Market Prices
6 salesAbout This Note
This 10,000 Yuan note from the Bank of Taiwan (1949) is an outstanding example of early Republic of China currency, presented in AU condition with only minimal signs of age. The note features exceptional engraving quality with Dr. Sun Yat-sen's portrait on the obverse alongside a detailed map of Taiwan, while the reverse displays the Bank of Taiwan building in classical architectural style. The pristine condition, intricate filigree work, and historical significance of this immediate post-war Taiwanese issue make it an attractive acquisition for collectors of Asian currency.
Common. eBay market data demonstrates consistent auction activity with multiple sales in recent years ranging from $46 to $102.50 depending on condition grade, with AU specimens (matching the subject note's grade) regularly fetching $67-74. The 2016 catalogue value for UNC condition was $40, indicating healthy but not scarce supply in the market. This is a standard issue with no documented print run restrictions or recall status.
Issued in 1949 (Year 38 of the Republic of China), this note represents Taiwan's monetary independence during the critical period following the Japanese withdrawal and before the relocation of the ROC government to Taiwan. The prominent inclusion of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's portrait reinforces the continuity of Republican legitimacy, while the detailed depiction of the Bank of Taiwan building and the island's map underscore Taiwan's emerging role as the seat of monetary authority for the ROC.
The obverse features a formal portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (國父, founding father of the Republic of China) rendered in fine line engraving on the left side, with an outline map of Taiwan positioned on the right, emphasizing the note's geographic and political context. The reverse showcases the Bank of Taiwan's headquarters building in Taipei, depicted in classical multi-story institutional architecture with mountainous landscape elements in the background. Both sides are framed by elaborate decorative rosettes in all four corners, ornate scrollwork, and filigree patterns characteristic of high-security banknote design of the era. Red and cream coloration dominates throughout, with red seal marks flanking the central medallion on the obverse.
Front: Serial number 'BB069409' (repeated at top); '萬圓' (ten thousand yuan); '行銀臺' / '臺灣銀行' (Bank of Taiwan/Taiwan Bank); '中華民國八十三年' (Republic of China Year 83, corresponding to 1949). Back: '10000' in Arabic numerals (denomination markers in ornate left and right frames).
Intaglio/steel engraving process, evidenced by the extremely fine line work, detailed filigree patterns, and complex border designs visible throughout both sides. The printer is identified as CPF (Chung Hua Printing Company), with Société Générale Monétaire (S/M number T72-30) association. The security features rely entirely on engraving complexity rather than modern anti-counterfeiting measures, consistent with 1949 printing practices.
Serial number prefix 'BB' indicates a standard issue variant. The note corresponds to S/M catalogue number T72-30 under the CPF printing designation. No overprints, signatures, or date variations are evident in this example. The condition-dependent market performance suggests this variety exists in multiple grade states without documented scarcity of any particular serial number range.
