Preliminary identification

Bank of Japan 50 Yen Banknote, Series B (Takahashi Korekiyo)

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A beautifully engraved 50 Yen note featuring the portrait of Takahashi Korekiyo, the 'Keynes of Japan.' This note was part of the Series B issuance, designed to stabilize the Japanese economy during the post-war reconstruction period.

Story

Issued in 1951, this note features a man who survived an assassination attempt in 1936 only to become a symbol of financial resilience. It was printed during the Allied occupation era to replace chaotic wartime currency.

Maker / Origin

The Bank of Japan Printing Bureau produced these using high-security intaglio printing. Takahashi Korekiyo, the face of the note, was a seven-time Finance Minister known for his bold policies that helped Japan navigate the Great Depression.

Condition & Value

The note shows a visible vertical center fold and some light corner rounding. There is minor yellowing consistent with age, but no major tears or ink stains are present. The fold reduces the value from 'Uncirculated' to 'Very Fine' grade. Value is driven by the crispness of the paper and the lack of folds.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.