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.
Preliminary identification
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.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.