100 yuan 1946

Common. This note remains readily available in the collector market, with eBay price tracking data showing consistent sales across multiple condition grades from 2010-2025. Recent comparable AU/AUNC examples have sold for approximately $10-35, with PMG-graded specimens in the $25-171 range depending on exact grade. The 1946 Bank of Taiwan 100 Yuan was issued in substantial quantities as regular currency for Taiwan's postwar economy, and examples survive in good condition. While historically significant and popular with collectors of Chinese currency and Taiwan, the print run was large enough to maintain common status.

Issued in 1946 (Year 35 of the Republic of China), this note was produced during the critical period following Japan's surrender in World War II and the return of Taiwan to Republic of China administration. The Bank of Taiwan building depicted on the obverse symbolizes the establishment of Taiwan's financial infrastructure under ROC governance, while the naval battle scene on the reverse—commemorating the 1633 engagement against Danish forces—reflects the note's emphasis on Taiwan's historical sovereignty and maritime heritage. This denomination and design represent the early monetary consolidation of Taiwan as a provincial economy of the postwar Republic of China.

The obverse features a centered oval portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (the founder of the Republic of China), rendered in classical engraving style with his distinctive mustache and formal attire. To the left stands the Bank of Taiwan building, a multi-story structure with classical architectural elements including prominent columns, representing Taiwan's modern financial institution. To the right is a stylized territorial outline of Taiwan, emphasizing the geographic extent of the issuing authority's jurisdiction. The reverse displays an elaborate oval vignette depicting a historical naval scene—specifically the 1633 naval battle against Danish forces—rendered as a landscape with water, vessels, and mountainous terrain. Both sides feature elaborate scalloped borders with filigree patterns and decorative corner ornaments. Red rectangular seals appear beneath the portrait on the obverse, typical of ROC currency design. The color scheme employs teal/green on the obverse and brown, green, and blue tones on the reverse.

Front side: '台灣銀行' (Bank of Taiwan), '台幣壹百圓' (One Hundred Yuan, Taiwan Currency), '中華民國三十五年' (Year 35 of the Republic of China [1946]), and serial number 'FE741411'. Back side: '100' (denomination in Arabic numerals). The date system used follows the ROC calendar where Year 1 = 1912 (Proclamation of the Republic), making Year 35 correspond to 1946.

This note was produced using traditional intaglio (engraved) printing methods, evidenced by the fine line work, intricate background patterns, complex mesh/crosshatch security designs, and the crisp, sharp detail visible in both portraits and architectural elements. The printer is identified in catalog sources as CPF (likely Chung Hwa Printing, a common ROC-era security printer). Multiple colored inks were employed in sequence, typical of high-security banknote production of the 1940s period. The elaborate filigree borders and geometric patterns serve dual purposes as both design elements and anti-counterfeiting features.

This specimen carries serial number FE741411, indicating it belongs to the 'FE' series. Catalog reference S/M T72-5 provides specific identification. No overprints or design variations are apparent on this example. Standard varieties for this Pick number typically involve different serial number series and minor signature variations, which are not visible in this grade/image quality. The note appears to be from the standard regular issue (not a special commemorative or limited variety) based on catalog designation.