20 baht 1943

Common. The eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $6.50 to $266 range depending on condition, with catalog values (2016) listing VG at $3, VF at $35, and UNC at $150. Notes regularly appearing on the secondary market at modest prices and trading hands in volume indicate this is a standard issue with substantial print quantities. The Fair condition example observed would be expected to trade in the lower price range, consistent with common circulation-worn examples of this type.

Issued during 1943-1945 under the Government of Thailand during World War II, this banknote reflects the political and military context of Thailand during the Japanese occupation period. The prominent military portrait of the young King Rama VIII and the emphasis on royal throne halls underscore the state's attempt to maintain national identity and legitimacy through currency imagery during a period of external pressures. The Royal Thai Army Map Department's involvement as printer further emphasizes the military-governmental integration characteristic of Thailand's wartime administration.

The obverse portrays King Rama VIII Ananda Mahidol in three-quarter profile facing right, depicted as a young man in military dress uniform with medals and decorative collar insignia, positioned at the left side of the note. The center features a Thai royal emblem with wings and ornamental crown, with ornate decorative borders containing geometric patterns throughout. The right side displays a traditional Thai temple complex (throne halls) with multiple peaked roofs and spires, rendered in architectural detail with ornamental gardens. The reverse features a large neoclassical government building with a prominent domed roof, symmetrical facade, multiple arched windows, columns, and formal architectural detailing, shown reflected in water below. A large circular watermark or security feature area appears on the left side of the reverse. The dominant color scheme is green on orange and green underprint, with red used for serial number text.

Front: Thai text reading 'ธัญบาล ไทย' (Bank of Thailand), 'ธนบัตรเป็นผลิตผลที่ทำหนี้ได้ตามกฎหมาย' (Banknote is legal tender according to law), 'ยืนสัญญาหา' (Promise to pay). Serial number appears as 'P 33 67713' in Latin characters and '๓๓ 67713' in Thai numerals. Denomination marked as '20' (20 Baht). Back: Denomination '20' appears in top right corner within ornamental design. Thai text below the central building includes 'กรุงเทพมหานคร' (Bangkok) and additional text relating to the official governmental institution, though heavily faded in this example.

This note was produced using traditional intaglio engraving and letterpress printing methods characteristic of mid-20th century currency production. The Royal Thai Army Map Department served as the printer for this wartime issue. The fine line engraving patterns visible in the background, ornate decorative borders with scrollwork and floral elements, and the detailed architectural rendering of both the throne halls and the neoclassical building are consistent with high-quality engraved plate work. The multi-color printing (green base with orange and green underprints, plus red serial numbers) was achieved through sequential passes of the engraved plates.

This Pick-41 note represents the Government of Thailand wartime issue (1943-1945) printed by the Royal Thai Army Map Department. The catalog notes reference similar notes with the superior-quality Thomas de La Rue printing (P-36) and variants with different signatures (P-53A). The observed serial number 'P 33 67713' with the prefix 'P 33' provides variant identification within the larger P-41 issue. This particular note is a standard variety of the main wartime Government of Thailand series without major overprints or unusual characteristics that would distinguish it as a rarity variant.