50 yuan 1964
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8 salesAbout This Note
This 1964 Bank of Taiwan 50 Yuan note presents a well-circulated example of early Republic of China currency featuring the iconic portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen in profile on the obverse. The note displays extensive age-related wear including multiple fold creases, yellowing, and foxing consistent with heavy circulation during the mid-20th century, yet remains structurally sound with no major tears. The purple and black engraving with cream underprint showcases the fine line work characteristic of this issue, making it a solid representative example for collections focusing on early Taiwan banknote history.
Common. This is a regular-issue banknote from a major issuing authority (Bank of Taiwan) with substantial print runs during the 1960s. eBay market data confirms common status, with VG-condition examples selling for $4.25 (2018), well below the $2 VF catalog value (2019), indicating strong collector supply and low demand premium. The denomination, design, and historical period do not suggest a limited-issue or commemorative note.
Issued in 1964 (Year 53 of the Republic of China, corresponding to 1956 in the traditional ROC calendar system shown on the note), this 50 Yuan denomination reflects Taiwan's post-war monetary stabilization period under the Bank of Taiwan's administration. The obverse features Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China, while the reverse depicts the Presidential Palace in Taipei, symbolizing the continuity of the ROC government on Taiwan during the Cold War era.
The obverse features a formal three-quarter profile portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925), rendered in black and purple engraving on a cream underprint, positioned at the left side of the note. The portrait is framed by ornate decorative borders incorporating traditional Asian design elements including stylized cloud motifs, geometric patterns, and elaborate floral corner medallions. Red rectangular seals appear in both bottom corners. The reverse displays a large ornamental cartouche on the left bearing the denomination '50' with decorative floral borders, while the right side features a detailed engraving of the Presidential Palace in Taipei (Zhongshan Hall/similar institutional building), depicted as a multi-story classical structure with a prominent tower or cupola, surrounded by manicured landscaping. Both sides employ identical border treatments with geometric and floral designs serving as anti-counterfeiting measures.
Front side: '台灣銀行' (Bank of Taiwan); '國拾五' (50 Yuan, shown in ornate cartouche); '民國四十五年' (Year 45 of the Republic, corresponding to 1956 in the traditional calendar; note: catalog identifies this as 1964, suggesting discrepancy in printed date); '中華民國印製' (Printed by the Republic of China); Serial number 'N9338I7U' (appears twice in red ink). Back side: '50' (denomination in Arabic numerals, displayed in ornamental frames in corners).
Intaglio engraving (fine line engraving) executed by CPF (China Printing and Finishing Company), as identified in catalog sources. The note exhibits the high-quality detailed line work, precise registration, and complex decorative borders characteristic of security printing from this period. Red serial numbers were applied separately, likely through letterpress or additional engraved plates.
This specimen bears serial number N9338I7U in red ink. The catalog date discrepancy warrants note: the visual analysis identifies '民國四十五年' (Year 45 of the ROC = 1956) printed on the note, while the catalog data indicates Pick 1976 as a 1964 issue. This may represent either: (1) a printing date of 1956 with later release/cataloging as 1964, or (2) a catalog error. The earlier related variety is noted as TAIWAN P-1974. No overprints or additional security markings are evident. Printer attribution to CPF is consistent with other Taiwan Bank notes of this era.
