20 baht 1942

Common. The catalog value of VF at $20 (2016) and the observation of eBay sales in the $130 range for Fine grade specimens indicate these notes were produced in substantial quantities. While the 1942 date and early Thai banknote status give them historical interest, Pick 49a is a regular issue of the Government of Thailand with no evidence of limited print runs, recalls, or short-lived issuing authority. VF examples appear regularly in the market at modest price points consistent with common-grade collectible banknotes.

Issued in 1942 during World War II under the Government of Thailand, this banknote features the young King Rama VIII (Ananda Mahidol), who reigned from 1935-1946 during a period of significant political transition for Thailand. The prominent depiction of the Throne Hall on the obverse and the Grand Palace on the reverse emphasizes royal authority and continuity during uncertain times, while the constitutional watermark reflects Thailand's constitutional monarchy framework established in 1932.

The obverse features a three-quarter portrait of King Rama VIII Ananda Mahidol in full military dress uniform with decorations and insignia, positioned on the right side of the note. To the left stands the Throne Hall (likely Amarindra Hall of the Grand Palace), depicted as a traditional Thai structure with multiple tiers and distinctive spires. A Thai royal Garuda (winged mythical creature emblem) appears prominently at top center. The reverse showcases an expansive landscape view of the Grand Palace complex (Chakri Palace) as viewed across water, rendered in fine architectural detail with multiple tiers, spires, and traditional Thai roofing elements. Both sides feature ornamental guilloche patterns and decorative scrollwork in the corners, with a cream/beige underprint supporting the blue-brown color scheme.

Front: Central Thai text reads 'ธนาบัตร ไทย' (Thai Banknote) with authority text indicating 'Issued under the authority of the Government of Thailand' and denomination 'ยี่สิบบาท' (Twenty Baht). Numerical '20' appears in corners. Red serial numbers 'F701611' appear in upper right and left, with corresponding Thai serial notation in lower left. Back: Numerical denomination '20' in top corners with Thai script text at bottom (likely descriptive caption for the palace scene, specific fine print unresolved in source image).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing) executed by the Mitsui Trading Company, a Japanese security printer. The fine line engraving throughout the borders, detailed architectural rendering, and guilloche background patterns are characteristic of high-security intaglio production. Serial numbers were applied in red ink using supplementary printing techniques. The precision of the portrait and building details indicates professional bank note engraving standards of the early 1940s.

Pick catalog identifies this as P-49a, with PMG reports indicating a P-49d variant also exists for this base Pick number (both watermarked Constitution). The distinguishing feature between 49a and 49b variants is the back color: this specimen's blue back identifies it as P-49a (contrasting with P-50, which has a light brown back). Serial prefix 'F' with 3-part alphanumeric format (upper right/left in Western characters, lower left in Thai) is consistent with the standard Government of Thailand issue format. No overprints or unusual security features indicating a rare variety are present on this specimen.