1 jiao 1980

Common. This is a regular issue fourth series jiao note with substantial print runs typical of fractional denomination currency in the 1980s. eBay market data confirms common status: uncirculated examples consistently sell in the $0.49–$9.88 range with low bid counts, while PMG-graded specimens (66–69) typically achieve $4.81–$54 with variable auction interest. The 2019 catalogue valuation of $0.50 for UNC specimens and the predominance of sub-$20 sales across the provided price history indicate this is one of the most readily available notes from the 1980 jiao series.

Issued in 1980, this note commemorates the early period of China's economic reform under Deng Xiaoping, with the reverse prominently displaying the Gate of Heavenly Peace and national emblem—symbols of the People's Republic established in 1949. The two male portraits on the obverse likely represent revolutionary figures significant to the PRC's founding, rendered in the formal engraved style characteristic of official state currency. The multilingual inscriptions on the reverse (Chinese, Pinyin, and minority language scripts) reflect the PRC's official policy of representing its diverse ethnic composition.

The obverse features two distinguished male figures in right-facing profile view, rendered with meticulous intaglio engraving employing fine cross-hatching to create dimensional modeling—these individuals represent important historical figures in the founding of the People's Republic. The design incorporates intricate repeating geometric and decorative patterns characteristic of 1980s Chinese currency aesthetics. The reverse centers the national emblem of the People's Republic (featuring five gold stars, the stylized Gate of Heavenly Peace, and a cog wheel symbolizing workers and industry) within an elaborate diamond-shaped decorative frame. The design incorporates multilingual text acknowledging the PRC's multinational character, with inscriptions in Simplified Chinese, Romanized Pinyin, and minority ethnic scripts. Serial numbers appear in red on the obverse.

FRONT: 中国人民银行 (People's Bank of China) / 壹角 (One Jiao) / Serial number reference 1980-9-20. BACK: ZHONGGUO RENMIN YINHANG (People's Bank of China in Pinyin/Latin characters) / 1 YIJIAO (One Jiao in Pinyin) / 1980 (year of issue) / 中国人民银行 (People's Bank of China in Chinese characters) / 壹角 (One Jiao in Chinese characters) / Additional minority language inscriptions representing various ethnic scripts of the PRC.

Intaglio engraving (rotogravure) for primary image elements, evidenced by the fine line work, cross-hatching, and dimensional portrait rendering. The security printer for Pick 881a was the Beijing Banknote Printing Company (北京印钞厂), part of the Chinese state security printing infrastructure. Multicolor printing process employed to achieve the brown, tan, orange, red, and black color scheme visible in the analyzed specimens.

Pick 881a denotes the standard variety with two-letter serial number prefix in red on the obverse. The date reference '1980-9-20' visible in the visual analysis may represent the authorization or printing date. No major varieties (such as overprints, signature variations, or significant serial number prefix differences) have been identified in the provided catalog and market data, suggesting this represents the primary circulation variety from the 1980 issue. The consistent appearance across eBay transaction examples supports classification as a single standard variety.