5 yuan 1961

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows consistent sales in the $1-$22 range across all condition grades from 2012-2022, with UNC examples selling for approximately $22.50 and lower grades for $1-$6. The 2019 catalogue value of $4 for UNC further confirms this is a readily available note in the modern collector market. No historical evidence suggests limited print runs or recall issues for this Pick number. The prevalence of sales data and modest price points indicate this was a standard circulation issue with substantial production numbers.

Issued in 1961 (Year 50 of the Republic, corresponding to the 50th year after the 1911 Proclamation of the Republic), this note represents Taiwan's currency during the early years of the Republic of China's governance on the island following the 1949 relocation. The obverse features Dr. Sun Yat-sen, founder of the Republic and revered national figure, alongside imagery of Taiwan's natural landmarks including the O-Luan Pi lighthouse on the southern coast, symbolizing Taiwan's geographic and strategic importance. The reverse depicts the Presidential Palace in Taipei, the seat of government, reinforcing the legitimacy and authority of the Republic of China administration.

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen rendered in fine line engraving with pink and red tones, positioned at the left side of the note. To the right of the portrait is a depiction of the steep coastline of southern Taiwan with the O-Luan Pi lighthouse, a navigational landmark. The center of the note contains an ornamental cloud-shaped medallion with Chinese characters, flanked by square seals. Floral decorative emblems appear in all four corners with scrollwork borders. The reverse depicts the Presidential Palace in Taipei, a large formal building with classical architectural style featuring a prominent central tower, symmetrically designed with surrounding landscaping elements including trees and water features. This building served as the official residence and workplace of the President of the Republic of China. Both sides employ consistent ornamental border patterns with repeating geometric and floral motifs.

Front side: '臺灣銀行' (Bank of Taiwan), '圓伍' (Five Yuan), '中央印製' (Central Printing), and serial number 'P 502480 V'. Back side: Denomination numeral '5' appears in all four corners. The note was issued by the Bank of Taiwan under the authority of the Republic of China central government.

This note was produced using intaglio (engraved line) printing, the dominant security printing technique of the era. The printer is identified as CPF (Central Printing Factory), the official central government printing authority of the Republic of China. The fine line engraving visible throughout the note—particularly in the portrait work, architectural details, and border patterns—is characteristic of intaglio printing, which provided both aesthetic appeal and security against counterfeiting. The multicolored underprint with red on cream background was achieved through multiple passes of the intaglio plates.

The observed serial number format is 'P 502480 V', using alphanumeric designation. This note (Pick P-1972) represents the standard 1961 Bank of Taiwan 5 Yuan regular issue. Potential varieties for this Pick number may include different serial number prefix letters or printing runs, but the observed example shows the standard P-series designation consistent with the primary 1961 issue. No signature varieties or overprints are evident on this specimen.