50 baht 1945
Market Prices
About This Note
This 1945 Thai 50 Baht note (Pick P-57b) presents a historically significant example of wartime Thai currency featuring King Rama VIII Ananda Mahidol in profile on the obverse and the Royal Throne Hall on the reverse. The note displays the characteristic pink/mauve coloration with cream underprinting and exhibits moderate circulation wear including creasing, foxing, and minor discoloration consistent with its Fair condition grade, along with visible handling marks and handwritten annotations.
Common. The catalog values from 2016 indicate modest valuations ($20 VG, $70 VF, $150 UNC), and eBay price tracking shows a wide range of historical listings with many specimens available at under $20 USD. The 1945 issue represents a regular issue with substantial print quantities for the 50 Baht denomination during this period. While the wartime date gives it historical interest, it lacks the scarcity characteristics that would elevate it to uncommon or rare status.
Issued during the final year of World War II by the Government of Thailand, this banknote reflects Thailand's sovereignty during a complex period of regional geopolitical tension. The prominent depiction of King Rama VIII (who reigned 1935-1946) and the architectural emphasis on both the Marble Temple and the Royal Throne Hall underscore the Thai monarchy's central role in national identity and governance during this transitional historical moment.
The obverse features a left-facing profile portrait of King Rama VIII Ananda Mahidol rendered in monochrome intaglio, positioned at the left margin. The central design element is the Marble Temple (Wat Benchamabophit), depicted with characteristic tiered Thai Buddhist architecture featuring ornate roof details and spires. The reverse showcases the Royal Throne Hall (likely the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall), rendered in classical neoclassical architectural style with a prominent central dome, symmetrical columned wings, and formal landscaping with water features. Both sides feature intricate ornamental borders with Thai floral and geometric motifs, corner decorations, and fine line engraving creating security patterns throughout. The predominant color scheme of pink/mauve on cream/beige underprint is consistent with Thai banknote production of this period.
Front side: 'ธนบัตรไทย' (Thai Banknote); 'ธนบัตรเป็นสมบัติของประเทศไทยและคณะมณฑ' (This banknote is the property of Thailand and the Council); 'ห้ามสับปรก' (Do not deface); '50' (denomination); Serial number '448148'; Date notation '36' (Thai Buddhist Era 2488, corresponding to 1945 CE). Back side: Denomination '50' appears twice; Thai text below the throne hall building (partially legible in image).
Intaglio (engraved) printing on banknote paper, with multi-color printing creating the pink/mauve primary color over cream underprint. The fine detail of the portrait, architectural elements, and ornamental borders is characteristic of traditional banknote engraving. The watermark (multiple wavy lines as documented in catalog references) was incorporated during paper manufacturing. This note was likely produced by the Thai Government Printing Bureau or under contract with an established security printer.
The observed serial number '448148' with prefix '36' is consistent with Thai banknote numbering conventions of the 1945 period. The visible signature in cursive script (appearing to be a Thai official's authorization) and the date notation '36' (Thai Buddhist Era) are standard for this issue. No overprints or special varieties are evident in the visual analysis. This appears to be a standard printing from the regular 1945 circulation issue without distinguishing characteristics that would constitute a recognized cataloged variety.
