10 000 gold yuan 1949

Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $4.55–$20 range across multiple condition grades from 2010–2023, with catalog values for VF grade listed at $6. The 1949 10,000 Gold Yuan was issued in significant quantities during the final monetary reform attempt and remains readily available to collectors. No evidence of limited print runs, recall status, or short-term issuance patterns suggests scarcity. Standard collector pricing reflects its common status.

Issued in 1949, this note was produced during the final months of Nationalist rule in mainland China, as hyperinflation rendered the Chinese currency increasingly worthless. The Central Bank of China, depicted on the reverse as an impressive institutional building, struggled to maintain monetary stability as the Communist forces advanced. The Gold Yuan denomination itself was introduced in 1948 as a currency reform attempt, but by 1949, the note's face value bore no relation to its actual purchasing power, making this denomination a symbol of the Republic of China's monetary collapse.

The obverse features an ornate blue and multicolor design with a prominent portrait of a military figure in uniform and cap, positioned in profile facing left—characteristic of Nationalist-era currency portraiture. The center displays elaborate red and blue decorative cartouches with Chinese characters representing the denomination. Traditional Chinese design elements including four-lobed floral corner ornaments and scrollwork borders frame the composition. The reverse depicts the Central Bank of China building as a classical multi-story institutional structure with a flag, rendered in blue intaglio with ornate border work. Denomination text appears in both numerals (10000) and English words (TEN THOUSAND GOLD YUAN), reflecting the international commercial context of the late Republic period.

OBVERSE: 中央銀行 (Central Bank); 中印製 (Printed in China); Serial number: ER553308 / E5 553308. REVERSE: THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA; 10000 / TEN THOUSAND GOLD YUAN; 1949; GENERAL MANAGER and GOVERNOR (signature blocks).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing) executed by the China Printing Factory (CPF), as confirmed by catalog notation. The fine line work visible in the borders, guilloché patterns, and detailed building illustration are characteristic of high-quality steel engraving. Multiple color printing using blue, red, green, and black inks was applied over a cream/beige base stock, with color separation typical of period multi-color intaglio production.

S/M #C302-60a designation indicates this is the standard catalog variety for the 10,000 Gold Yuan, 1949 issue. Serial number prefix 'E5' is documented for this series. No overprints or significant varieties are apparent in the observed specimen. The note represents the regular issue (not a special or commemorative variant) with standard signature blocks for General Manager and Governor positions.