Japan 100 Yen 1953 Pick 90 UNC Banknote
The Japan 100 Yen Pick 90 was introduced on 1 December 1953 by the Bank of Japan as part of the country’s Series B banknotes. Issued during Japan’s remarkable post-war economic recovery, it became one of the nation’s most widely circulated banknotes before being replaced by the 100 Yen coin in the 1970s.
Presented in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, this historic note is an essential addition to collections of Japanese, Asian and post-war world banknotes.
Historical Background
Following World War II, Japan introduced a new generation of banknotes to support its recovering economy. The 100 Yen Series B note was first issued in 1953 and remained in circulation until 1974, when the growing use of the durable 100 Yen coin led to its withdrawal from production. It officially ceased being issued on 1 August 1974.
The note circulated throughout the years of Japan’s rapid economic growth, making it one of the country’s most recognisable banknotes of the Shōwa era.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Japan
- Denomination: 100 Yen
- First Year of Issue: 1953
- Pick Number: P-90
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Bank of Japan
- Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Series: B Series
- Material: Paper
- Dimensions: 148 × 76 mm
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Portrait of Taisuke Itagaki (1837–1919)
- Bank of Japan inscriptions
- Denomination numerals
- Decorative guilloche patterns
- Serial numbers
Taisuke Itagaki was a prominent statesman and one of the pioneers of Japan’s Freedom and People’s Rights Movement, helping lay the foundations of modern parliamentary democracy.
Reverse
The reverse depicts:
- National Diet Building in Tokyo
- “NIPPON GINKO” inscription
- Large denomination numerals
- Ornamental security patterns
Completed in 1936, the National Diet Building is the seat of Japan’s parliament and one of the country’s most recognisable government landmarks.
Security Features
- Watermark
- Fine guilloche engraving
- Intaglio printing
- Multicolour underprint
- Serial numbering
- High-quality security paper produced by the Japanese Ministry of Finance Printing Bureau.
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Japan 100 Yen 1953 Pick 90 UNC banknote is one of the most iconic notes of post-war Japan. Featuring a respected political leader and the country’s parliament, it symbolises Japan’s democratic development and rapid economic expansion during the Shōwa period.
Perfect for:
- Japanese banknote collections
- Asian currency collections
- Post-war banknotes
- Historic government building themes
- Shōwa era memorabilia
- UNC world paper money collections
Collector’s Note
The Pick 90 was issued in several signature and paper varieties (P90a, P90b and P90c), distinguished mainly by their serial prefixes and paper type. Regardless of the variety, the design remained unchanged throughout its production and became one of the last Japanese banknotes replaced by a coin, making it a classic piece of modern Japanese numismatics
