50 yuan 1969

Common. While this is a specialized regional issue for Kinmen, the eBay price data indicates consistent circulation in the collector market with UNC examples selling in the $12.50-$49.95 range (2014-2018), and catalog values listing UNC at $25 (2019 valuation). The denomination and issue size support common status despite the geographical restriction. The recent 2022 PMG 66 sale at $263.88 represents a premium graded example, not typical UNC pricing. No evidence of low print runs, recalls, or scarcity constraints exists for this Pick number.

This note was issued during the Cold War period when Kinmen remained under Republic of China (Taiwan) control, representing a unique monetary system for the strategically important island off mainland China's coast. The deliberate restriction to Kinmen's regional economy, as stated in the inscriptions '用通區地門金限' (restricted to use in Kinmen regional area), reflects the geopolitical separation and distinct administrative status of the island during this era. The formal portraiture of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and the classical pagoda architecture underscore the ROC's historical legitimacy and cultural continuity.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (孫中山), founder of the Republic of China, rendered in classical black and white engraving style on the right side of the note, positioned in left-facing profile. The note is framed by ornate decorative borders incorporating traditional Asian scrollwork and mythological elements (dragons or phoenix designs noted in the corners), with an elaborate cartouche in the center containing denomination and issuer information. The reverse depicts a multi-tiered pagoda or tower structure characteristic of traditional East Asian architecture, likely representing a Kinmen landmark. Red seal stamps appear bilaterally on both sides of the note, a security feature common in ROC currency. The dominant color scheme of purple-blue with red accents and cream/beige background is typical of mid-20th century Bank of Taiwan notes.

FRONT SIDE: '中華民國' (Republic of China) at top; 'E101629X' (serial number); '金門' (Kinmen/Gold Gate); '圓拾伍' (Fifteen yuan - note this appears to reference denomination text); '臺灣銀行' (Bank of Taiwan); '年八十五國民華中' (Republic of China year 85 [ROC calendar, equivalent to 1969]). BACK SIDE: '用通區地門金限' (Restricted to use in Kinmen regional area); '50' (denomination in Arabic numerals); '金門' (Kinmen/Gold Gate). The year notation uses the ROC calendar system where year 1 corresponds to 1912 (founding of the Republic).

The note employs intaglio engraving (line engraving) as the primary printing method, evidenced by the fine line work, detailed cross-hatching patterns for security, sharp portrait rendering, and ornate scrollwork visible throughout both sides. The precision of the engraved lines and the depth of impression characteristic of intaglio printing are evident in the visual analysis. Most Bank of Taiwan notes of this period were produced by the Taiwan Bank Note Printing Works or contracted foreign security printers; the high technical quality and security features suggest professional government printing standards.

This note is identified as Pick R111, the Kinmen-restricted 50 yuan from 1969 (dated year 85 in ROC calendar). The visual analysis shows serial number 'E101629X', with the 'E' prefix potentially indicating a specific printing batch or security series. Known varieties for Bank of Taiwan Kinmen notes include different signature combinations and serial number prefixes; detailed variety cataloging would require comparison of signature blocks and full serial ranges. The restriction to Kinmen circulation distinguishes this from standard 50 yuan issues of the same period.