50 satang 1942

Common. The eBay price history data shows consistent sales activity over more than a decade (2013-2024) with notes in various grades ranging from VG to PMG 66, and typical prices for circulated examples well under $30 and UNC examples cataloged at only $15 as of 2016. The regular issue designation, lack of any documented short print run, and sustained secondary market availability all indicate this is a commonly encountered note among Thai banknote collectors. While all vintage notes have inherent scarcity compared to modern issues, this note does not qualify as rare or scarce.

Issued in 1942 during the reign of King Rama VIII (Ananda Mahidol, r. 1935-1946), this banknote reflects Thailand's monetary modernization under Japanese wartime influence. The inclusion of the Royal Palace (likely the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok depicted on the reverse) emphasizes the continuity of the Thai monarchy and institutional authority during a period of significant geopolitical upheaval in Southeast Asia. The formal military presentation of the young king on the obverse underscores the state's authority and stability during World War II.

The obverse features King Rama VIII Ananda Mahidol, shown in profile facing left, wearing formal military or official court dress with ornate collar details befitting Thai royal regalia. His portrait occupies the right side of the note against a pink/rose-toned underprint. The obverse is framed by green decorative borders with fine scrollwork and floral patterns in all corners, with an ornate cartouche design surrounding the central Thai text identifying the note as a Thai banknote and Bank of Thailand issue. The reverse depicts the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok (or another significant royal/religious structure), rendered with multiple tiered roofs, ornamental spires, and fortified palace walls, reflected in water below. The architectural rendering demonstrates fine line engraving with detailed crosshatching. The reverse maintains the same green border and decorative corner medallion scheme as the obverse, with denomination markers in all four corners.

Front side: 'ธนาบัตรไทย' (Thai Banknote); '50 ST' (50 Satang denomination); 'ธนาคารแห่งประเทศไทย' (Bank of Thailand); 'ตามอำนาจตามประมวลกฎหมายว่าด้วยอำนาจคณะมนตรี' (By authority according to the law concerning the Council's powers); official signature handwritten. Denomination markers '5U' and '80' also appear. Back side: '50' appears in top corners (denomination marker); Thai text describing the depicted palace/temple structure; additional institutional and legal text in Thai script characteristic of formal Thai banknote inscriptions.

Intaglio engraving (recess printing), as evidenced by the fine line work, detailed crosshatching, stippling effects in the architectural rendering, and the crisp definition of ornamental borders and cartouches. According to catalog references, this note was printed by Mitsui Trading Company. Security features include fine line engraving throughout, watermarked paper, and the intricate ornamental designs that would be difficult to reproduce without specialized engraving plates.

PMG has catalogued two variants for this Pick number: P-43r and P-43s1. Without access to detailed variant descriptions, the specific variety of this note cannot be definitively determined from the visual analysis alone. Potential variety markers would include signature variations, serial number prefixes, or subtle design differences. Collectors should cross-reference with PMG or Pick catalogs for the exact variety designation based on signatures and serials visible on the physical note.