Bank of Japan 1000 Yen "Expedient Specimen" Banknote, Showa 20 (1945), PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ | Pick #45s3・SB167s3J2. A rare post-war Japanese expedient banknote boasting the highest grade | GoldSilverJapan


 The 1,000 yen "Expedient Specimen" banknote produced by the Bank of Japan in 1945 is an official sample note that holds a particularly important place in the history of Japanese banknotes. This banknote is registered in the International Banknote Catalog as Pick #45s3 (SB167s3J2) and is a special banknote produced for the purpose of management, verification, education, and research by the Bank of Japan and related institutions. Because it was not a banknote issued for general circulation but was distributed only to a limited number of institutions as an official sample, the number of existing copies is extremely small, and it is highly sought after by banknote collectors not only in Japan but also around the world. The copy we are presenting here has received a Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) rating from PMG (Paper Money Guaranty), one of the world's largest banknote grading companies. Furthermore, PMG's comments state "Ovpt. Red “Mi-hon”・Regular S/N," confirming that it is an official sample note with a red "expedient" overprint, as verified by a third-party grading institution. According to PMG population data, only five banknotes have been certified as 66EPQ, and none are of a higher grade. This particular banknote is an extremely rare piece, representing the highest grade currently known. GoldSilverJapan showcases historical banknotes from around the world, and this banknote can be considered a first-class collector's item in any of the fields of Japanese banknotes, post-war Japanese history, sample banknote collection, and financial history research.


 The obverse design embodies the dignified artistry representative of Bank of Japan banknotes. On the right side is a portrait of Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, a hero symbolizing ancient Japan, representing the nation's history and tradition. On the left side, shrine architecture is depicted with intricate carving techniques, creating a composition that conveys the spirituality and dignity of Japanese culture. The characters "1,000 yen" are prominently placed in the center, and the name of the Bank of Japan, the issue statement, and decorative patterns are combined in a beautifully balanced manner. The entire banknote is adorned with intricate guilloché patterns, plant motifs, and fine intaglio printing, making it a representative work that demonstrates the high level of Japanese banknote printing technology. The most distinctive feature of this particular banknote is the word "Sample" stamped in red on both the front and back. This red overprinting was officially applied by the Bank of Japan to prevent general circulation, and is clearly indicated as Oppt. Red “Mi-hon” on the PMG label. Furthermore, this particular item is an official sample ticket with a Regular S/N (standard serial number specification)**, and the manufacturing control number "395752" is printed on it. Unlike regular circulation tickets, only a very limited number of sample tickets were produced, so even identical types rarely appear on the market and are highly valued at international auctions.


 The reverse side features a subdued color scheme and is characterized by the dignified and well-balanced design typical of Japanese banknotes. The English denomination "1000 YEN" is placed in the center, with large kanji characters for "yen" and "thousand" on either side. Intricate geometric patterns and botanical decorations are woven around the edges, showcasing Japan's advanced banknote manufacturing technology. The reverse side also has a red "sample" overprint, maintaining its specifications as an official sample note. This particular note does not have a punch hole, which is an interesting point for collectors as it differs in specifications from earlier sample notes. The PMG comment assigns it **Exceptional Paper Quality (EPQ)**, guaranteeing that the paper quality has been preserved in its completely original state. The EPQ designation is a special evaluation given only to banknotes that show no signs of artificial processing such as cleaning or restoration, and is a very important factor in the global luxury banknote market. The extremely high unused rating of 66, in addition to the EPQ designation, is proof that this note has maintained an ideal state of preservation for many years.


 1945 (Showa 20) was an extremely important turning point in Japanese history. After the end of World War II, Japan underwent significant changes in its financial system, monetary system, and economic policies, and the Bank of Japan was forced to adapt to the new era. Sample banknotes were produced for various purposes, including internal management within the bank, education for financial institutions, authenticity verification, and printing quality checks. However, sample banknotes were not distributed to the general public and were only used by limited institutions such as the Bank of Japan and the Printing Bureau, so very few remain today. In particular, many Bank of Japan sample banknotes from around 1945 are thought to have been discarded or recalled due to the unique historical context of the chaotic postwar period. As a result, the number of examples found on the market today is extremely limited worldwide, and there is high demand from collectors not only in Japan but also in the United States, Europe, and various Asian countries. In the Japanese banknote market, sample banknotes from the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa periods are especially popular, but among them, the 1000 yen sample banknote produced immediately after the war is a representative example that combines rarity, historical importance, and artistic value. These are not merely banknotes, but are highly valued as cultural artifacts that convey the history of the Japanese economy, the history of the Bank of Japan, and the history of printing technology.


 This particular banknote boasts the highest possible preservation grade, designated as PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ. The 66 designation indicates exceptionally good condition among unused banknotes, with every aspect—paper quality, color, print clarity, margins, corners, and absence of creases—maintained at a high standard. Furthermore, the EPQ designation guarantees complete original paper quality, making it highly valuable in the collector market. Most importantly, only five 66 EPQ banknotes exist in the PMG public population, with zero of a higher grade. This means this banknote is one of the highest grades currently known, a highly rare specimen belonging to the Top Population category. There is no guarantee that similar sample banknotes will appear on the market again, and 66 EPQ class banknotes, in particular, are expected to maintain stable popularity in the long term. Bank of Japan sample banknotes are increasing in value year after year in overseas markets, becoming an important category representing modern Japanese banknote collections. At GoldSilverJapan, we carefully select and present world-class banknotes that possess such historical value, artistic merit, rarity, and state of preservation.


 FAQ


 Q. Is this a regular 1000 yen bill?
 A. No. It's an official sample banknote (Expedient Specimen) produced by the Bank of Japan.


 Q. When was it published?
 This is a sample ticket from A. ND (1945, Showa 20).


 Q. What is the Pick number?
 A. Pick #45s3 (SB167s3J2).


 Q. What is the PMG grade?
 A. Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ.


 Q. What is EPQ?
 A. This stands for Exceptional Paper Quality, indicating an exceptionally good state of preservation where the original paper quality has been maintained.


 Q. What is "Ovpt. Red “Mi-hon”"?
 A. This means it is an official Bank of Japan sample note with the word "Sample" overprinted in red.


 Q. Does this banknote have a punch hole?
 A. This particular item does not have punch holes and features a red "sample" overprint.


 Q. Is the serial number the same as on regular banknotes?
 A. This is a regular serial number specification, but it is a special item that was managed as a sample ticket.


 Q. Why is Yamato Takeru depicted?
 A. He was chosen as a figure who symbolizes Japanese history and tradition.


 Q. Was it available for use in the general market?
 A. No. These are sample coupons and are not for resale.


 Q. Why is it rare?
 A. Because the number manufactured was very small, and it was used only by a limited number of institutions, such as the Bank of Japan.


 Q. How rare is it in the PMG population?
 A. There are 5 cards with 66EPQ certification, and 0 cards with a higher grade.


 Q. Is it popular overseas as well?
 A. Yes. Bank of Japan sample notes are highly valued by currency collectors around the world.


 Q. Is it attracting attention as an investment target?
 A. Rare PMG top-grade sample certificates are highly sought-after collector's items in the global market.


 Q. What types of banknotes does GoldSilverJapan handle?
 A. We offer a wide selection of Japanese banknotes, sample banknotes, PMG/PCGS graded banknotes, and historical and rare banknotes from around the world.


 This includes items such as Japan Bank of Japan Specimen 1000 Yen, Pick 45s3, SB167s3J2, PMG 66 EPQ, Mi-hon Note, Bank of Japan Sample Note, 1000 Yen Sample Banknote, Bank of Japan Note, Showa 20 (1945) Banknote, PMG Certified Banknote, GoldSilverJapan, etc.