1 dollar 1928

Common. The eBay price data shows consistent sales of this note across multiple grades (VG through UNC) with numerous transactions over a 10-year period, with AU/AUNC examples typically realizing $7-$12. The 2016 catalogue value of $15 for UNC reflects modest collector demand. Print runs for this Central Bank of China series were substantial, and the note remains readily available in the numismatic market. The prevalence of multiple sales annually at modest prices confirms common status.

This note was issued by the Central Bank of China in 1928 (corresponding to Year 24 of the Republic of China), during a critical period of political consolidation following the Northern Expedition. The bilingual English/Chinese design and use of ABNC printing reflects China's integration into international financial systems, while the traditional ornamental motifs and classical artistic elements underscore cultural pride during the modernizing Republican era. The Shanghai location mark indicates this was the primary financial center for foreign trade and banking operations.

The obverse features a predominantly beige/cream field with green and red accents, centered on a large Chinese denomination character (壹圓) within an ornate oval frame. Traditional Chinese decorative elements dominate the design, including classical floral and botanical patterns, stylized cloud scroll designs in the corners, and fine guilloche background work characteristic of security printing. The reverse displays a reddish-brown/maroon palette with the formal portrait of a gentleman in traditional Chinese formal attire positioned in an oval frame on the left side. The right side contains the English text of the promise to pay and issuing information, with ornamental vase and floral designs providing visual balance. Both sides incorporate fine-line engraving and complex security borders throughout.

FRONT SIDE: 中央銀行 (Central Bank), 上海 (Shanghai), 壹圓 (One Dollar/Yuan), 中華民國二十四年 (Year 24 of the Republic of China = 1928), Serial number: SX8645522D. BACK SIDE: THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA, PROMISES TO PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND AT ITS OFFICE HERE, ONE, NATIONAL CURRENCY, SHANGHAI, 1928, AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY, Serial number: SX8645522D, with handwritten manager signatures.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving and guilloche work) produced by the American Bank Note Company (ABNC), as credited on the reverse. The note exhibits the hallmark security features of professional currency production from this era: complex background guilloche patterns, fine-line engraving with considerable detail in portrait work and decorative elements, and ornamental security borders. The dual-language design and high quality of execution reflect ABNC's reputation as a leading international security printer.

Pick 195c specifically designates this as a variant within the 1 Dollar 1928 series. The serial number SX8645522D suggests Shanghai printing (SX prefix). The note exhibits control overprints as noted in the catalog data—specifically symbols, numerals, and Chinese characters—which represent standard varieties within this issue. Variations in signature combinations and overprint placements are known for this series, making the specific combination of control marks on this example a minor identifying characteristic. No exceptional varieties (error notes, rare signatures, or unusual overprints) are evident from the visual analysis.