50 yuan- Matsu 1970
“Matsu”
Market Prices
3 salesAbout This Note
This is a 1970 Bank of Taiwan 50 Yuan note from the Matsu regional issue, presented in uncirculated condition with sharp printing and pristine surfaces. The note features vibrant blue and cream coloring with intricate traditional Chinese design elements, including a portrait on the obverse and a distinctive pagoda landmark on the reverse. As a regionally-limited currency for Matsu, this note represents an interesting numismatic piece with strong collector demand reflected in recent eBay sales ranging from $24-$130 depending on grade.
Common. While this note is geographically limited to Matsu and represents a regional currency issue, eBay market data demonstrates sustained but modest collector interest with recent sales of comparable grades ranging from $24-$39 for circulated to uncirculated examples. The 2019 catalog value of $30 for UNC condition and the regular appearance of examples on the secondary market indicate a healthy supply relative to demand. The note was produced in sufficient quantities to meet regional circulation needs and has not been recalled or withdrawn from the market.
Issued in 1970 by the Bank of Taiwan, this 50 Yuan note was specially designated for use in the Matsu islands (as indicated by the inscription '限地區通用馬祖' on the reverse), reflecting the Republic of China's regional currency administration during the Cold War era. The portrait of a historical figure on the obverse and the traditional Chinese pagoda architecture on the reverse commemorate cultural heritage while the note's limited geographic circulation underscores Matsu's distinct administrative status as an outlying territory of the ROC.
The obverse features an ornate border with traditional Chinese scrollwork in the corners framing a formal male portrait positioned on the right side of the note, likely depicting a historical figure of significance to the Matsu region or the Republic of China. An elaborate oval cartouche with ornamental framing is centrally positioned. The reverse showcases a prominent traditional Chinese pagoda or tower structure with distinctive peaked roofs and multiple levels, depicted within a detailed landscape setting, enclosed within matching ornamental corner decorations. Both sides employ consistent color schemes of blue/navy, cream/beige, red, and black inks, with red seals or stamps appearing on both sides. The serial number Q249341U appears in red text on the obverse.
OBVERSE: 中華民國 (Republic of China) | 五十圓 (Fifty Yuan) | 臺灣銀行 (Bank of Taiwan) | 馬祖 (Matsu) | Q249341U (Serial Number) REVERSE: 馬祖 (Matsu) | 50 (Denomination numeral) | 限地區通用馬祖 (For use in limited regions - Matsu)
Intaglio engraving (recess printing) combined with multicolor offset lithography, as evidenced by the intricate fine-line details, scrollwork patterns, and the precise multicolor registration visible throughout both sides. The note bears the mark of CPF (Chung Hwa Printing) as the printer, a security printer specializing in currency and official document production for the Republic of China.
This specific example is identified as Pick R123 with the serial number Q249341U. The 'Q' prefix on the serial number may indicate a specific printing batch or production series for the Matsu regional issue. The issue date of 1969 with the denomination printed as 1970 follows the Chinese calendar convention used by the Bank of Taiwan during this period. No major overprints or signature varieties are evident from the visual analysis.
