AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a 10 Sen Supplemental Military Yen banknote, specifically known as 'B-Yen' currency, issued by the United States Military Government for use in occupied Japan, Okinawa, and Korea following World War II in 1945. The note is printed on off-white paper with an intricate blue-gray undulated background pattern. It features a bold purple/magenta overprint including a large 'B' in the center and the denomination 'TEN SEN' and '10 SEN' in English and Japanese calligraphy. The note carries the serial number A05876228A and is marked 'SERIES 100'. Physically, the note appears to be in relatively crisp condition for its age, though it shows some minor proportional irregularities at the edges, suggesting a possible uneven trim. There is visible light foxing or small stains on the reverse or edges, and a faint vertical fold line near the center left. Some minor edge wear and light yellowing consistent with age are present. The typography and scrollwork borders reflect the utilitarian yet precise mid-century military printing standards of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing or its contractors. This specific denomination of 'B' military yen was crucial for the day-to-day transactions in the immediate post-war period before being phased out in later years as the local economies stabilized.

I have carefully examined the provided images of this 1945 U.S. Military Currency 'B-Yen' 10 Sen Note, Series 100. Based on my visual inspection, the note appears authentic, exhibiting the correct typography, intricate undulated background patterns, and the distinct purple 'B' overprint characteristic of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's military issues. The note shows signs of 'About Uncirculated' to 'Very Fine' condition; while it retains some original crispness, the visible vertical fold, light foxing, and minor edge wear consistent with wartime paper quality are present. The irregular trimming noted is common for these fractional notes, which were often roughly separated from sheets. In the current numismatic market, B-Yen notes are historically significant but were printed in massive quantities, making the fractional 10 Sen one of the more common denominations. Comparable sales for ungraded examples in this condition typically range between $5 and $12. High-grade specimens (GEM CU 65 or higher) command a premium, but the foxing and folding here place this in a more modest collector tier. This appraisal is based on digital images only. A definitive valuation would require an in-person physical inspection to verify paper texture, watermark presence, and light-transparency to rule out high-quality modern reproductions. Scientific testing of the ink chemistry and microscopic analysis of the fiber composition would be necessary to certify it for high-end auction placement.