1 yuan 1936
Market Prices
73 salesAbout This Note
This 1936 Central Bank of China 1 Yuan note (Pick 211a) is a stunning example in PMG 66 EPQ condition, displaying the vibrant red, cream, and blue color scheme characteristic of this issue. The obverse features a formal male portrait on the right side with an ornamental Chinese character medallion on the left, while the reverse presents a historically significant scene depicting Confucius meeting Lao Tzu with horse-drawn carriages. The pristine condition with sharp detail, vibrant coloring, and complete absence of wear makes this an exceptional specimen for collectors of Republican-era Chinese currency.
Common. The eBay price data shows consistent sales activity across multiple condition grades ranging from $1.99 to $504, with most regular circulation-grade examples (VF, EF, AUNC) selling in the $2-$12 range. Even higher-graded examples (PMG 65-67) show variable but relatively accessible pricing patterns, with PMG 66 examples having sold for $31-$320 depending on market conditions and bidding competition. The abundance of price realizations and regular market appearance indicates this is a common issue from a substantial print run.
Issued during the tumultuous 1930s of the Republic of China, this note represents the Central Bank's effort to establish a modern, unified currency system under the Nationalist government. The reverse's depiction of Confucius meeting Lao Tzu reflects the cultural nationalism of the period, symbolizing the synthesis of Chinese philosophical traditions during a time of political consolidation and modernization. The bilingual English inscriptions demonstrate the international commercial aspirations of the Republic during this era.
The obverse features a formal portrait of a male figure in formal Western-style attire on the right side, rendered in red tones against a cream background with ornamental blue accents. The left side displays an elaborate decorative medallion containing the Chinese characters '壹圓' (One Yuan) within geometric borders. Traditional Chinese ornamental patterns and repeating circular symbols form the decorative framework. The reverse presents an intricate engraved cartouche in the center depicting the legendary meeting between Confucius and Lao Tzu, with approximately 8-10 figures shown alongside two horse-drawn carriages, rendered in sepia and brown tones. The central scene is framed by elaborate decorative borders with corner blocks containing 'YUAN' denominations, and is banked by English text identifying the issuer and denomination. Two signature lines appear below the central vignette.
FRONT: 中央銀行 (Central Bank); 壹圓 (One Yuan); E355558D (Serial Number). BACK: THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA; ONE YUAN; NATIONAL CURRENCY; 1936; E355558D (Serial Number); GENERAL MANAGER [L. Liaba signature]; GOVERNOR [H. Kung signature]; CHUNG HWA BOOK CO., LTD. (Printer). The signatures represent H. H. Kung (Kong Xiangxi), Governor, and L. Liaba (possibly L. Liaba or variant transliteration), General Manager of the Central Bank.
Intaglio (steel engraving) printing, as evidenced by the intricate fine-line work visible in the decorative borders, complex cartouche design, and detailed figural compositions. The Chung Hwa Book Company (CHB) served as the printer. The multiple layers of decorative framing and security elements demonstrate the advanced engraving techniques employed by this Hong Kong-based security printer during the 1930s.
This specific example displays the serial number E355558D, which appears on both obverse and reverse. The signatures present are those of H. Kung (Governor) and L. Liaba (General Manager). This note conforms to Pick 211a classification. No major die varieties have been widely documented for this issue, though signature varieties exist across the series corresponding to different periods of Central Bank administration. The EPQ designation from PMG indicates this example shows no signs of PVA treatment or other issues.
