5 yuan 1961

Common. While eBay price history shows considerable variability (ranging from $0.99 to $43.88), the median realized prices for comparable grades (PMG 64-65) cluster around $26-30, with uncirculated examples generally fetching $10 or less. The 2019 catalog value of $10 for UNC condition further confirms this as a standard, widely-available issue with no documented scarcity. The print run was substantial, and examples are readily available in the collector market.

Issued during the early years of the Republic of China's presence in Taiwan (Year 45 of the ROC calendar, 1961), this note reflects the administrative and cultural identity of the nationalist government. The obverse's lighthouse imagery represents Taiwan's strategic position and modernization efforts, while the reverse's Presidential Palace symbolizes governmental continuity and authority during this formative period of Taiwan's post-1949 development.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (founder of the Republic of China) positioned at the left in three-quarter view, rendered in classical intaglio style with formal attire and high collar typical of the era. The right side depicts the O-Luan Pi lighthouse, an important maritime landmark in southern Taiwan, rendered as an architectural vignette. The reverse showcases the Presidential Palace in Taipei, a monumental neoclassical government building with a prominent central bell tower, colonnades, and landscaped grounds with water features and background mountains. Both sides employ ornate decorative borders with quatrefoil corner designs, elaborate scrollwork, floral patterns, and decorative rosette seals in red. The color scheme throughout is predominantly brown and sepia tones on cream underprint with red accent seals and text.

Front side: '台灣銀行' (Bank of Taiwan); '伍圓' (Five Yuan); '中華民國四十五年' (Republic of China Year 45, corresponding to 1961); Serial number 'A391394A'. Back side: Denomination numerals '5' in decorative corner cartouches; PMG certification marking with grade '67' (Superb Gem Uncirculated) and notation 'Exceptional Paper Quality'; Certification number '1913819-069'.

Intaglio engraving on machine-made paper, consistent with security currency printing standards of the 1960s. The catalog reference indicates the printer as 'CPF' (likely referring to the Currency Printing Factory). The note exhibits the hallmark characteristics of high-quality intaglio production: fine line work, precise registration, intricate border engraving, detailed shading in portrait and landscape vignettes, and ornate security design elements. The crisp impression and pristine paper condition in this PMG 67 specimen indicate excellent press work and quality control.

Serial number prefix 'A' with sequential numbering (A391394A observed). The date inscription shows 'Year 45' (民國四十五年) corresponding to 1961. No overprints, error varieties, or significant variants are noted for this Pick number. The standard printing by CPF (Currency Printing Factory) shows no documented major varieties affecting value or collectibility. PMG certification number 1913819-069 is specific to this individual note's grading event.