100 yen 1937

Common. eBay market data shows VF specimens consistently trading in the $20 range, with lower grades (F, CIRC) at $4.99-$12.80 and higher grades (XF, UNC) at $79.99-$349.99. The 2016 catalogue value for VF is $100, though current secondary market prices are significantly lower. The note was part of a standard circulation issue by the Bank of Taiwan during a 10-year period of production, indicating substantial print runs. No evidence of short-lived issuance or recall. The availability of multiple specimens on eBay at modest prices confirms this is a commonly encountered note in collector circles.

This note was issued during Taiwan's period under Japanese administration (1895-1945), when the Bank of Taiwan served as the primary currency issuer. The architectural structure depicted on the obverse likely represents a significant Taiwanese landmark from the Japanese colonial era, while the reverse's coastal landscape with lighthouse reflects Japan's emphasis on Taiwan's strategic maritime and commercial importance. The dual Chinese and Japanese text alongside the gold redemption promise reflect the complex cultural and administrative overlay of the period.

The obverse features an ornamental border with elaborate floral and geometric patterns in black engraving on a cream/beige background with tan underprinting. The dominant design element is an engraved illustration of a traditional Asian architectural structure (likely a fortified gate or tower) set within a landscape with foliage, positioned at the left-center of the note. A chrysanthemum flower symbol appears at top center, and a prominent red official seal or stamp is located in the center-right area. Decorative cartouches containing denomination numerals frame the corners. The reverse presents a panoramic landscape engraving in black and brown tones depicting a coastal or lakeside scene with mountains in the background, a distinctive lighthouse positioned on a distant hillside, and palm trees visible at the right margin, all within an ornate scalloped-edge border rendered in green. The detailed fine-line engraving throughout exemplifies the high quality of Bank of Taiwan note production.

Obverse: '百圓' (One Hundred Yuan), '高雄銀行臺灣' or '臺灣銀行' (Taiwan Bank), '100' (Arabic numeral denomination), Serial number '263152' (appearing top left and bottom right), '此金票引換度兌可中金百圓' (This note can be exchanged for one hundred yuan in gold). Reverse: '臺灣銀行券' (Taiwan Bank Note), '百圓' (One Hundred Yuan), '100' (denomination in corners). All inscriptions are in Traditional Chinese characters with Arabic numerals for denomination.

Intaglio (engraved) printing in multiple colors - black for primary engraving, with tan/ochre and green underprinting visible on obverse and reverse respectively. The technique shows the sophisticated security printing capabilities of Japanese colonial currency production. The red seal appears to be applied separately or printed in a distinct red ink pass. Fine line work and intricate border designs are characteristic of high-security banknote engraving of the 1930s era.

Serial number 263152 is visible on this specimen. This particular Pick number (P-1928) represents the standard 1937 Bank of Taiwan 100 Yen issue with no known major varieties documented in major catalogs. Variations in serial number prefixes and red seal placement may exist across the print run, but these are not cataloged as distinct varieties. The 1937 date represents a single-year issue within the broader Bank of Taiwan 100 Yen series, distinguishing it from later post-war issues.