1 baht 1942

Common. While this is a historical note from 1942, the eBay pricing data shows UNC examples catalogued at $40 (2016 values) with recent sales of PMG-graded notes in the $70-125 range for higher grades, indicating steady but moderate collector demand. The 1942-1944 issue period saw reasonable production quantities, and UNC examples remain available in the market. The note is not scarce enough to command premium pricing typical of rare issues.

This 1 Baht note was issued during a transformative period in Thai history under King Rama VIII, who reigned from 1935-1946 during World War II. The depicted Wat Phumintr temple and the Grand Palace complex represent Thai national and religious heritage that remained central to Thai identity despite the geopolitical upheaval of the period. The note's formal military imagery of the young monarch reflects the authoritarian governance structure of 1940s Thailand.

The obverse (front) features a formal portrait of King Rama VIII Ananda Mahidol positioned on the right side, depicted in military uniform with high collar, facing slightly leftward. To the left of the portrait stands Wat Phumintr temple, rendered with characteristic Thai architectural elements including tiered roofs and pointed spires, flanked by mythological serpents (nagas) as noted in reference sources. The reverse (back) displays a panoramic architectural rendering of the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok, showing multiple tiered roofs, towers, and traditional Thai architectural details along a waterfront. Both sides feature ornate decorative borders with scrollwork and floral corner ornaments. A central circular area on the back suggests watermark placement featuring the Constitution motif (a tray on pedestal).

Front: Thai text reading 'ธนบัตรไทย' (Thai banknote), 'ธนบัตรโดยบัญชีที่จำระหนึ่งเด็กตามกฎหมาย' (Banknote issued according to law), 'หนึ่งบาท' (One baht), and signature area marked 'สต. ประชา' (likely official signature). Serial numbers appear as 'A59379' and '97' prefix in red on upper left and right. Back: Ornamental Thai text band below the palace complex (partially legible in the visual analysis). Denomination '1' appears in decorative circles in upper corners.

Intaglio engraving, characteristic of high-security banknote production. The fine line work, intricate background patterns, and detailed architectural rendering visible in both the visual analysis and the note's overall design quality indicate professional engraving techniques. According to reference sources, this note was printed by Mitsui Trading Company, a Japanese security printer, which aligns with the high-quality intaglio work observed.

This note is catalogued as Pick P-44b, one of five documented variants for the 1 Baht 1942 issue (P-44a, P-44b, P-44c, P-44r, P-44s1 exist according to PMG population records). The P-44a variant features the Constitution watermark explicitly. The observed serial number format (A59379 with 97 prefix) and the red serial number placement are consistent with documented variants of this issue. Specific variety confirmation would require comparison against detailed Pick catalog specifications for the P-44 series subtypes.