20 baht 1942

Common. The 1942 20 Baht (P-49b) circulated in reasonable quantities and remains readily available in the secondary market. eBay price tracking shows VF-graded examples selling in the $20-$25 range, consistent with standard pricing for common mid-grade notes from this series. Contemporary market valuations from 2016 catalogs list VF examples at approximately $20, reinforcing its common status despite its historical interest.

Issued during 1942 under the Government of Thailand, this note commemorates King Rama VIII (Ananda Mahidol) during a significant period of Thai history marked by World War II and political transition. The obverse portrait depicts the young king in formal military uniform with regalia, while the reverse showcases Thailand's most important religious and royal landmark—the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok—reflecting the nation's emphasis on royal authority and cultural heritage during this era.

The obverse features King Rama VIII Ananda Mahidol in full-face portrait wearing formal military dress uniform with high collar and decorative medals on the right side of the note, positioned alongside a detailed engraving of the Throne Hall (Chakraphat Phiman Hall) on the left. The reverse presents a panoramic landscape view of the Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang), Bangkok's most significant royal and religious complex, depicted along the water with multiple characteristic Thai spires, ornamental roofs, and architectural details. Both sides feature elaborate decorative borders with intricate scrollwork, floral motifs, and fine-line engraved security patterns. The color scheme combines blue primary printing with brown underprint and cream/beige paper, with red serial numbers on the obverse.

Front side: 'ธนาคารไทย' (Bank of Thailand), 'สัญญาบัตร' (Banknote/Currency Note), 'ยี่สิบบาท' (Twenty Baht), regulatory text regarding banknote legal status, serial numbers 'F 33 94859' and '๔ 33 94859' (mixed Western and Thai numeral formats), denomination '20' in Arabic numerals. Back side: '20' appearing in both upper corners, Thai inscription relating to the Grand Palace landmark identification.

Steel engraving and intaglio printing, executed by the Mitsui Trading Company as the security printer. The visual evidence of fine detailed line work, intricate border patterns, and three-part serial number formatting (with Western letter prefixes in upper sections and Thai letter prefix in lower section) all confirm traditional engraved banknote production methods characteristic of 1940s Thai currency manufacturing.

This note is identified as Pick P-49b specifically, a variant distinguished by its blue back (as opposed to P-50, which features light brown on the back). The serial number format observed—three-part numbering with Western letter control prefixes in upper left and right positions and Thai letter prefix in lower position—is characteristic of this 1942 Government of Thailand issue. The watermark features the Constitution on a tray and pedestal design, a security feature typical of this printing period.