1000 yuan 1948

Common. Market data strongly supports this assessment: recent eBay sales consistently fall in the $18-44 range for VF grade specimens, with 2016 catalog value of $35 for VF condition. Historical auction data shows VF examples regularly sell for $20-50 range with 10-20+ bidders, indicating adequate supply at modest collector demand. No evidence of short print runs, recalls, or scarcity. This represents standard circulation issue currency from the Bank of Taiwan's regular 1948 emission.

This note was issued in 1948 (Year 37 of the Republic of China, calculated from the 1911 Proclamation) when Taiwan was transitioning to the post-war period under the Republic of China administration. The Bank of Taiwan building depicted on the obverse represents the institutional authority managing Taiwan's currency during this critical political and economic period. The naval battle scene on the reverse, referencing a 1633 engagement against Danish forces, connected modern Taiwanese identity to the island's historical maritime defense and sovereignty.

The obverse depicts Dr. Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925), founder of the Republic of China, in a formal frontal portrait centered within an ornate circular frame. To the left stands the Bank of Taiwan building in Taipei, rendered in classical institutional architectural style with precise line work suggesting its multi-story construction and official character. The right side displays a silhouette/outline map of Taiwan, establishing geographic and administrative identity. Four corner medallions contain Chinese characters within decorative circular frames. Ornamental wheat or grain stalks flank the central design, and elaborate scrollwork borders frame the composition. The reverse features a nautical scene depicting ships and harbor fortifications, likely representing the 1633 naval conflict against Danish maritime forces, contained within a scalloped ornamental cartouche. Multiple red official seals and stamps overprint both sides, indicating authorized issuance and certification.

Front side: '台灣銀行' (Bank of Taiwan) — issuer identification; '壹千圓' (One Thousand Yuan) — denomination in traditional Chinese numerals; '中華民國七十三年' (Republic of China Year 73) — date notation corresponding to 1948; 'AD362138' — serial number (appears twice). Back side: '1000' — denomination in Arabic numerals displayed in corner medallions.

This note was produced using traditional intaglio/engraving techniques characteristic of early-to-mid 20th century currency production. The printer is identified as FPFT (Fidelity Philatelic & Fiduciary Techniques or similar security printing firm). Multiple colors (blue, green, brown/red, and red overprints) demonstrate precise multi-plate registration. Fine line engraving creates the intricate borders, portraits, architectural details, and security patterns. The micro-pattern scrollwork and ornamental elements reflect deliberate anti-counterfeiting design principles of the era.

This specimen represents the standard P-1943 variety without the automobile depicted in the Bank of Taiwan building foreground—distinguishing it from the closely related P-1942. The presence of the flag hoisted in front of the building (as opposed to on the building's roof) is the defining characteristic of P-1943. Serial number prefix 'AD' suggests production from a particular printing batch or sheet series. The specific serial number 'AD362138' is unique to this individual specimen. No other significant varieties (signature variants, date variants, or major overprint differences) are noted for this Pick number.