Central Bank of North Korea, 1947, 10 Won (Watermarked Version)

Product Description

The 1947 North Korean 10-won banknote (original watermark of the Workers, Peasants, and Paektu Mountain, Pick #10Aa) was the first legal tender issued in North Korea in its founding year. Printed entirely by the Goznak Printing Plant in the Soviet Union, it is a classic example of early East Asian banknotes featuring the themes of workers and peasants. The original watermark version is extremely rare, making it a core collectible in the field of early Asian banknotes.

Front View Details

• The left side features the words "North Korean Central Bank Note" in traditional Chinese characters arranged vertically, bordered at the top and bottom with pink Chinese-style scrollwork borders. The Arabic numeral "10" and the denomination in Korean are symmetrically marked at the four corners.

• The central image depicts workers and farmers at work, with farmers carrying hoes and workers wielding hammers. The background features factory chimneys and ocean-going freighters, perfectly capturing the post-war industrial reconstruction era.

• Below the portraits is the large, artistic Korean inscription "십원 (10 Won)," surrounded by a traditional Chinese meander pattern. The note is printed using a two-tone intaglio printing technique in pink and dark green.

• The right side of the note features the legal tender clause in traditional Chinese characters and is stamped with the official seal of the "North Korean Central Bank" in red. This note's serial number is: ㅇㄧ 112641.

• The entire page is covered with a finely machine-engraved wave security mesh. The note uniquely blends traditional Chinese patterns with Soviet banknote art styles.

Reverse Details

• The top of the image features a green floral border enclosing the Korean name "조선인민공화국 (Republic of Korea)";

• The central image is a three-dimensional, layered engraving of a panoramic view of Mount Paektu, with detailed and distinct mountain and rock textures, a symbolic geographical feature representing North Korea;

• The left and right sides of the image are vertically arranged with the Korean characters "십원" and the traditional Chinese characters "拾圆" (Shi Yuan), with the number "10" symmetrically placed at the top and bottom four corners;

• The bottom engraved label clearly indicates the year of issue, 1947, featuring a full-page European-style scrolling floral anti-counterfeiting design with a purple and green interlaced fine mesh background;

• The original version of this banknote uniquely possesses a pattern watermark anti-counterfeiting feature, while many later reprints lack this watermark, resulting in a significant difference in collectible value between the two.

Condition Description

This banknote has been certified and sealed by TQG, an internationally recognized authoritative banknote authentication agency, and scored 40 points as Extremely Fine. The minor flaws noted are：Tear (slight tear at the corner); the banknote has original circulation creases and a small tear on the lower right edge, but no large-area damage or severe mold. It has not undergone any artificial repairs such as washing, ironing, or patching. The portraits of workers and peasants on the obverse and the main scene of Mount Paektu on the reverse have complete and clear engraving lines. The ink in the Chinese characters, Korean characters, and serial number is full and without significant fading. The original old paper texture is fully preserved. The transparent cover isolates it from air and prevents oxidation. The cover includes an independent collector's barcode 0106657-104, which can be scanned to access the complete official authentication record.

Specifications