Japan - ¥2000 Yen Banknote - 2000 (ND) UNC (Uncirculated), serial number V879961E is crisp, never handled note from a sequential bundle (see photo). It has not been graded, but would likely grade at 67 or 68 (Superb Gem Uncirculated).

The ¥2000 Yen Banknote, catalog number P#103a - single letter serial number prefix. Represents a unique piece of Japan's numismatic history, was never in widespread use and is valued by collectors for its unique background and design. The obverse features Shureimon gate of Shuri Castle, a symbol of Okinawa's heritage and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shureimon Gate is also featured in the watermark.

The reverse shows, Scene 38 "The Bell Cricket" from The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari) and a copy of the upper portion of the script in the background on the left. A portrait of its author, Murasaki Shikibu at the lower right. 

Background: Despite its significance, the ¥2000 Yen note was never widely circulated, because it is not taken by the vast majority of Japanese vending machines - which are among the biggest uses of paper money in Japan. As a result, the 2000 Yen banknote constitutes only 0.9% of all Japanese banknotes in circulation, and the Bank of Japan is holding 4/5 of those printed in storage, most likely eventually to be destroyed, making the ¥2000 note a sought-after item for collectors.

Limited number available.