1 jiao 1960

Common. Despite the significant historical importance of early PRC currency, the 1960 1 Jiao note was produced in substantial quantities as regular-issue circulation currency. eBay market data shows consistent sales activity across multiple condition grades, with VF examples regularly achieving $300-$500, indicating an actively traded but not scarce note. The abundance of transaction history since 2012 and steady availability across condition grades from F to UNC all support a common classification.

Issued in 1960, during the height of Mao's Great Leap Forward, this 1 Jiao note embodies the propaganda aesthetics of early Communist China. The reverse's prominent depiction of multiple workers in various labor poses directly references the regime's emphasis on industrial production and collective effort, while the national emblem featuring the five stars and Tiananmen Gate reinforces state authority. This note belongs to the First Series of PRC currency and represents a critical period in China's monetary and economic history.

The obverse features a classical ornamental composition with a central diamond-shaped frame containing the numeral '1', surrounded by intricate floral and arabesque scrollwork in red and brown tones. The national emblem of the People's Republic of China—depicting five stars above the Tiananmen Gate—appears prominently in the upper right, symbolizing national unity and Communist authority. The reverse showcases a central vignette of approximately 7-9 human figures depicted in dynamic working poses, representing industrial or construction labor, flanked by decorative ornamental frames with floral patterns in the upper left and lower right corners. The fine line pattern background throughout both sides reinforces the security printing design.

Front: 'ZHONGGUO RENMIN YINHANG' (People's Bank of China), 'YI JIAO' (One Jiao), '1960' (Year of issue), Serial number 'III XI 1590712'. Back: '中国人民银行' (People's Bank of China in simplified Chinese characters), 'YI JIAO' (One Jiao), '1960' (Year of issue). Additional reverse text appears present but is not fully legible in the provided analysis.

Intaglio (engraved) printing, characterized by the fine line pattern backgrounds, ornate engraved decorative elements, and sharp impressions visible throughout the note. The multi-color printing process and intricate detail work suggest production by the Chinese government security printer for PRC currency of this era. The precise rendering of the worker vignette and decorative borders is consistent with high-quality intaglio production standards of early 1960s Chinese banknote manufacturing.

This specimen is identifiable as the standard First Series variety (Pick P-873) with the characteristic red-brown coloring and worker vignette reverse. The serial number format 'III XI 1590712' appears consistent with early production batches. No overprints, rare signatures, or other obvious distinguishing varieties are noted in the visual analysis, indicating this is a standard printing of the regular issue.