1 silver dollar 1949

Common. While this represents the final silver dollar issue from the Republic of China, eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $6-$81 range depending on condition grade, with even PMG-graded examples (PMG 55) selling for approximately $20. The catalog values from 2016 list UNC examples at only $20, indicating substantial print runs and ready availability in the collector market. The note, though historically significant, does not command premium prices that would suggest scarcity.

Issued in 1949 during the final year of the Republic of China's control over the mainland, this banknote represents the twilight of Nationalist currency before the Communist victory. The design incorporates traditional Chinese artistic elements—the decorative cartouches and ornamental corner frames reflect classical Chinese aesthetics—while the sailing junk on the reverse symbolizes China's maritime heritage and historical importance. The note is dated to Republic of China Year 38 (1949) and was issued from Chungking (Chongqing), which served as the Nationalist government's wartime capital.

The obverse features a formal portrait of an unidentified male subject in middle age with a serious expression, positioned within an oval frame on the right side of the note. The design is dominated by elaborate Art Deco-influenced decorative cartouches in all four corners with traditional Chinese motifs, creating an ornate frame around the central portrait area. The reverse displays a beautifully engraved central vignette depicting a traditional Chinese junk sailing vessel with multiple sails—a symbol of Chinese maritime commerce and heritage. The color palette throughout is dominated by mauve, purple, and rose tones against a cream background, creating an elegant and distinctive appearance. Red seals and stamps are visible, consistent with Chinese official documentation conventions of the period.

Front side: '中央銀行' (Central Bank), '元銀壹圓' (One Silver Dollar), '中華民國三十八年' (Republic of China Year 38), serial number '6095579', and series designation '1-H'. Back side: 'THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA', 'PROMISES TO PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND', 'ONE SILVER DOLLAR', 'CHUNGKING', year '1949', and denomination '1'.

This note was produced using intaglio (copperplate) engraving techniques, evidenced by the fine line patterns, intricate detailed borders, multiple decorative cartouches, and the finely rendered sailing junk vignette visible in both the visual analysis and characteristic of American Bank Note Company's work for Chinese contracts during this era. The precise, sharp quality of the engraving and the depth of detail throughout indicate professional security printing standards typical of 1940s currency production for the Chinese Nationalist government.

This example is noted as series '1-H' with serial number '6095579'. The 1949 P-440 is known to exist in multiple series designations and serial number ranges. Varieties may exist based on different printing runs and series letters, though specific variety cataloging for this issue is not extensively documented in major references. The Chungking issue location and the specific series designation should be noted for collection purposes.