1 dollar 1931

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows recent sales of this note in various grades ranging from $14.50 to $32.55, with PMG 50 and 63 grades representing typical market values. The consistent appearance of examples on the market, multiple sales over a 12-month period, and modest price points all indicate this is a commonly available note in the collector market. Kwangtung Provincial Bank notes from the 1931 regular issue are standard offerings in Chinese numismatic collections and do not command premium prices.

The Kwangtung Provincial Bank issued this currency during the early years of the Republic of China, a period of significant regional autonomy and economic development in Guangdong Province. The architectural structure depicted on the reverse—a multi-tiered traditional Chinese building with curved imperial-style roofs—likely represents an important civic or institutional building symbolic of provincial authority and modernization aspirations during the 1930s. The bilingual English-Chinese inscriptions reflect the cosmopolitan nature of Guangdong's trade and the influence of Western banking practices in treaty-port China.

The obverse features a formal portrait of a Chinese gentleman in Western-style formal attire, positioned centrally within an ornate oval frame surrounded by elaborate scrollwork and traditional floral design motifs. Multiple circular seal stamps arranged vertically on the left side authenticate the note. The reverse displays a magnificent multi-tiered traditional Chinese architectural structure with distinctive curved roofs and central tower, characteristic of important imperial or civic buildings from classical Chinese design. Large decorative numerals '1' in ornate frames flank the central architectural image. The entire design is framed by intricate decorative borders incorporating classical Chinese and Western ornamental elements, reflecting the bicultural design aesthetic of the period.

FRONT SIDE: Serial numbers '151019' appear in upper left and right corners. Chinese characters include '東德香港銀行' (though the visual analysis suggests HSBC reference, the actual issuer is Kwangtung Provincial Bank as per catalog), '用券者自作' (made by the bearer), and '中華民國' (Republic of China). English text reads 'LOCAL CURRENCY'. BACK SIDE: 'THE KWANGTUNG PROVINCIAL BANK' appears at top. Serial number '151019' repeated. English inscription reads 'ONE DOLLAR NATIONAL CURRENCY' and '1931'. 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' noted as printer. The denomination appears as large ornate numeral '1' in frames on both sides.

Intaglio (steel plate engraving) executed by the American Bank Note Company, one of the world's premier security printers. The fine line engraving throughout the design, intricate detail work in the portrait, architectural rendering, and decorative borders are characteristic of high-quality intaglio production. The presence of multiple circular seal stamps and fine pattern work in borders indicates sophisticated anti-counterfeiting measures typical of ABNC's premium banknote security standards.

This specimen carries serial number 151019, matching across both sides of the note as expected for standard production. The Pick catalog designation P-S2425b indicates this is variety 'b' of the 1931 issue. Without access to comprehensive variety documentation comparing signature variations, overprint differences, or serial numbering patterns among P-S2425a, 2425b, and any other designated varieties, the specific distinguishing characteristics of the 'b' variety cannot be definitively stated from visual inspection alone. Standard varieties for this note type may include signature variations or serial number prefix differences; collectors should consult specialized Chinese banknote catalogs for complete variety delineation.