1959 Korean People's Republic 50 Won Banknote (printed by the Soviet Union, Pick#P-16)
Product Description
This is a 50-yen banknote from North Korea's second legal tender series, issued in 1959. It was produced using a complete intaglio printing process by the Goznak Printing Plant in the Soviet Union, with the international banknote catalog number Pick P-16. It is a landmark high-denomination collectible from the early days of North Korea and a classic example of Sino-Soviet cooperation in banknote printing during the Cold War. This item has been encased in a professional protective plastic case and is in pristine, uncirculated condition.
Front View Details (Taedong River Railway Bridge)
| Top Inscription | The top edge features the Korean inscription "조선인민공화국," meaning "People's Republic of Korea." |
|---|---|
| Left Side Design | The official national emblem of North Korea, decorated with rice ears and olive branches, with delicate relief details. |
| Central Image | The Pyongyang Taedong River Railway Bridge, with the Moranbong skyline in the distance, recreating the capital's appearance in the 1950s. |
| Denomination and Official Seal | The denomination "오십원 (Fifty Won)" is prominently displayed within the decorative border on the right, next to the red circular official seal of the Central Bank of North Korea. |
| Security Features and Serial Number | A six-digit red serial number "70 715090" is printed on both sides, and the year of issue "1959" is marked at the bottom center; the overall design features a multi-colored line pattern in green, purple, and beige, with precise intaglio engraving. |
Reverse Banknote Details (Farmers' Harvest)
Top Inscription:Horizontal inscription of the bank name "조선중앙은행", meaning "Central Bank of Korea"; Central Image: A peasant woman holding ears of wheat, representing agricultural production, a classic design of the socialist theme at the time; Denomination Layout: "50 오십원" is marked within symmetrical floral borders on the left and right sides, with the same denomination repeated at the bottom; Decorative Techniques: The border features intricate European-style scrollwork, a classic style of the Soviet printing press, with clear and three-dimensional lines.
Basic Specifications
| Year of Issue | 1959 (Second Series of North Korean Banknotes) |
|---|---|
| Face Value | 50 Won |
| International Catalogue Number | Pick #P-16 |
| Printer | Goznak State Printing Plant, USSR |
| Paper Characteristics | Special banknote paper, full-page geometric watermark |
| Condition | Brand new, uncirculated, UNC, no creases, spots, or wear |
| Packaging | Collector's PVC hard protective case |
US$38.27
US$19.14
US$19.14
US$102.03