10 000 yuan 1947

Common. Despite its age and the historical turbulence of the period, this note remains relatively common in numismatic markets. eBay transaction data shows consistent sales across multiple conditions ranging from $1.50 to $63.99 depending on grade, with UNC specimens typically valued at $15-25 (2016 catalog value: $20 for UNC). The steady supply of examples in circulation among collectors indicates a reasonably large original print run.

This banknote was issued during the final years of the Republic of China's rule on the mainland, printed in 1947 (the 36th year of the ROC calendar, equivalent to 1947 CE). The Western military uniform depicted in the portrait reflects the modernization efforts of the Chinese Nationalist government during the civil war period, while the ornate European baroque design aesthetic was common in Chinese currency of the 1940s as a symbol of international financial legitimacy and sophistication.

The obverse features a formal portrait occupying the left side, depicting a military official of the period in Western-style uniform with stern expression, contained within an ornate circular baroque frame with decorative scrollwork. The center of the note displays Chinese characters in an elaborate rust-orange cartouche with elaborate flourishes. Four corner ornaments feature rosette or flower-like emblems. Red square seals appear on both sides of the central cartouche. The reverse maintains the symmetrical baroque aesthetic, dominated by large Chinese characters (壹萬圓 - 10,000 Yuan) in an ornamental central cartouche, with denomination numerals (10000) positioned in decorative oval frames on left and right sides. The entire design is rendered in intricate engraved linework with navy blue printing on cream background.

Front side: '中央銀行' (Central Bank), '萬圓' (Ten Thousand Yuan), '中華民國三十六年印製' (Printed in the 36th year of the Republic of China [1947]), Serial number 'PW569918'. Back side: '壹萬圓' (Ten Thousand Yuan), '局長' (Director), denomination numerals '10000', with additional official signature/position lines including '帳是' and '平梁'.

Intaglio (engraved) printing, a standard security printing method for Chinese banknotes of this era. The fine line work, ornate frames, and security patterns visible throughout the note are characteristic of steel plate engraving used by the Central Bank of China and their contracted security printers during the 1940s.

Pick P-318 designation is consistent with catalog listings. The serial number prefix 'PW' and specific serial number PW569918 are noted on the observed example. Known varieties of this issue may include different signature combinations in official signature lines and potentially different serial number prefixes, though without access to comprehensive variety documentation for this specific Pick number, these cannot be definitively enumerated.