10 yuan 1954
Market Prices
28 salesAbout This Note
This is a Bank of Taiwan 10 Yuan note from 1954, graded AU (Almost Uncirculated), featuring a striking portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen on the obverse and the Bank of Taiwan building on the reverse. The note exhibits excellent preservation with crisp printing, vibrant red and dark blue inks, and minimal wear consistent with its high grade. The serial number K787233B and intricate security line work demonstrate the careful craftsmanship of the Bank of Taiwan's printing facility.
Common. The eBay price data shows consistent sales ranging from $2 to $71.80 across all condition grades from VG to PMG 66, with typical AU/UNC specimens selling in the $25–$42 range. This note was issued in substantial quantities by the Bank of Taiwan and remains readily available in the numismatic market. High-grade examples command modest premiums but are not difficult to acquire.
Issued during the early years of the Republic of China's administration in Taiwan following the 1949 relocation of the government, this 1954 note represents a formative period in Taiwan's monetary independence. The portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (founder of the Republic of China) reinforced national identity, while the depiction of the Bank of Taiwan building on the reverse symbolized institutional stability and the establishment of Taiwan's financial infrastructure after political transition.
The obverse features a formal portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (孫中山), founder of the Republic of China, presented in a circular frame at the center with ornate decorative borders in red and dark blue. Red square seals flank the portrait, and an ornate red and black medallion occupies the bottom center. The reverse depicts the Bank of Taiwan's main institutional building with classical architecture, complete columns, windows, and landscaping with trees and figures in the foreground. A large circular medallion containing the numeral '10' anchors the lower portion. Both sides feature intricate geometric and floral ornamental designs characteristic of mid-20th century banknote engraving.
Front: 臺灣銀行 (Bank of Taiwan); 拾圓 (Ten yuan); 中華民國二十四 or 三十四 (Republic of China Year 24 or 34, corresponding to 1935 or 1945 in Western calendar—likely a legacy date); Serial number K787233B (appears twice). Back: BANK OF TAIWAN (English); TEN YUAN (English); 1954 (year); PRINTING FACTORY, BANK OF TAIWAN (English printer attribution); 10 (denomination numeral, repeated in corners).
Intaglio (engraved) printing, as evidenced by the fine line work, detailed geometric patterns, and crisp impressions visible throughout both sides. The note was produced by the Printing Factory of the Bank of Taiwan, employing traditional security measures including repeating background text and ornate border designs to deter counterfeiting. The multi-color registration (red and dark blue on cream/light gray) demonstrates competent chromatic printing typical of 1950s Asian currency production.
The observed specimen (serial K787233B) exhibits the standard 1954 issue characteristics. Known varieties for this Pick number may include serial number prefix variations (indicating different printing batches), though the catalog data does not specify distinct subtypes. The note's date inscription references the Chinese Republic calendar (Year 24 or 34, corresponding to 1935 or 1945), which was standard practice for notes issued throughout the early Taiwan period. Collectors should note serial number prefixes and any signature variations if comparative specimens are available, though such distinctions are not typically cataloged as major varieties for this issue.
