Japanese 50 Sen Military Scrip (Series A)

This item is a Japanese 50 Sen military scrip, likely from Series A, used during World War II. The banknote features a beige or off-white paper base, with printing primarily in black, grey, and red. The overall condition shows significant wear, with multiple creases and folds across the entire surface, suggesting it was circulated extensively. There is also a slight discoloration or darkening of the paper, consistent with age and handling. The front of the note depicts a torii gate, a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance to a Shinto shrine, in the center. Above the torii gate is the Imperial Seal of Japan, a stylized chrysanthemum. To the right of the torii gate, a large bird (possibly an eagle or hawk) is depicted in flight. Cherry blossoms (sakura) are visible as decorative elements throughout the design. Significant Japanese characters are present, with '五十銭' (50 Sen) prominently displayed in the center right. The serial number '513' is visible in red in two places, once on the left and once below the '50 Sen' text, indicating a specific issuance. The numeral '50' is also present in a circular emblem on the bottom right. A red circular stamp, likely a seal of authentication or issue, is visible on the bottom left. The text '昭和十八年' (Showa 18th Year) is discernible on the right, which corresponds to the year 1943. This scrip was part of the Japanese Military Yen series, issued for use in occupied territories or by military personnel during the war, and was not legal tender in Japan itself.