5 yuan 1955

Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales activity with prices ranging from approximately $10-$91, with UNC examples typically realizing $30-$40. The 2016 catalog value for UNC condition was listed at $35, corroborating the current market pricing. The relatively consistent supply of this note at various condition grades on the secondary market, combined with moderate price points and multiple sales across several years, indicates this is a regularly encountered issue without significant scarcity constraints.

Issued in 1955 by the Bank of Taiwan under the Republic of China government, this note reflects the early period of Taiwan's economic development following the Chinese Civil War and the establishment of the ROC's seat on the island. The inclusion of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's portrait honors the founder of the Republic of China, while the prominent depiction of the Bank of Taiwan building in Taipei symbolizes the institution's central role in the island's financial reconstruction and modernization during the post-war era.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China, rendered in classical engraved style within an oval frame positioned at the center of the note. He is depicted in military formal dress with a stern, dignified expression. The design incorporates ornate floral medallions in all four corners, intricate decorative borders with fine-line patterns, and a winged emblem with traditional Chinese motifs positioned below the portrait containing the numeral 5. The reverse depicts the classical multi-story Bank of Taiwan building in Taipei with columned architecture and a formal entrance, rendered in fine architectural detail with figures visible in front. This building image is framed within an ornamental circular element containing the numeral 5, surrounded by repeating decorative text patterns in the borders. Both sides employ pink/magenta as the dominant color with white/cream accents, creating a cohesive, elegant design typical of mid-20th century Asian currency.

Front side: '五' (Five) - denomination indicator; '臺灣銀行' (Bank of Taiwan) - issuing authority; '中華民國三十四年' (34th Year of the Republic of China) - date reference (corresponding to 1955); 'N055819Q' - serial number. Back side: 'FIVE YUAN' (appears twice) - denomination in English; 'BANK OF TAIWAN' - issuing authority in English; '1955' - year of issue; 'PRINTING FACTORY, BANK OF TAIWAN' - printer attribution; '5' - numeral denomination.

This note was produced using intaglio engraving (line engraving and possibly steel engraving), as evidenced by the fine-line detail work throughout, the intricate ornamental patterns, the precise architectural rendering on the reverse, and the depth and clarity visible in the portrait work. The printer is credited as the Printing Factory, Bank of Taiwan, as stated on the reverse. The consistent quality of the fine detail, particularly in the complex corner medallions, decorative borders, and building facade, indicates skilled intaglio production typical of central bank note printing of the 1950s era.

The observed serial number 'N055819Q' suggests the standard serial numbering system employed for this issue. No overprints, date variations, or signature varieties are noted in the visual analysis. The inscriptions referencing the 34th Year of the Republic of China (1955) appear consistent with catalog documentation. Without evidence of printing errors, significant serial number anomalies, or replacement notes (commonly indicated by specific prefix markers), this appears to be a standard circulation variety of the P-1968 issue.