10 000 yuan 1947
Market Prices
24 salesAbout This Note
This is a Chinese Central Bank 10,000 Yuan note from 1947 (Pick P-319, Series 7-A), presented in VF condition. The note features a portrait of a dignitary on the obverse and ornate cloud medallion design on the reverse, with fine line engraving throughout characteristic of Security Banknote Company's work. While showing expected age-related foxing and patina consistent with a 75+ year old specimen, the note displays relatively clean surfaces with minimal creasing, making it a presentable example of China's immediate post-war currency.
Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales activity over multiple years with VF-graded examples selling for $5.60 to $9.05, and UNC examples ranging from $23.50 to $39, well below the threshold that would indicate rarity. The 2016 catalogue valuation of $2.50 for VF condition further confirms this is a widely available note. The circulation of this denomination and series was substantial, and surviving examples remain plentiful in the collector market.
Issued in 1947 by the Central Bank of the Republic of China, this note represents the final years before the Communist takeover and the transition to the People's Republic. The 'Republic of China' (中華民國) inscription and the year notation in the traditional Republican calendar (year 63, corresponding to 1947) reflect the Nationalist government's control during this turbulent period. The English-language reverse identifying the Security Banknote Company indicates American involvement in printing, typical of Allied cooperation during and immediately after World War II.
The obverse features a formal portrait of a male dignitary rendered in fine engraving, positioned centrally with a receding hairline and forward-facing presentation. The portrait is framed by ornate scrollwork and floral corner motifs typical of high-security currency design of the era. Serial numbers appear in red ink on both left and right margins, with series designation clearly marked. The reverse showcases an ornamental cloud-form medallion in the center containing the denomination characters, surrounded by large numerals (10000) in all four corners within decorative cartouches. Fine crosshatch background patterns provide additional security detail throughout both sides. The dominant color palette consists of mauve/purple-red on the obverse and dark blue/slate on the reverse, with cream/off-white paper.
FRONT SIDE: 中央銀行 (Central Bank) | 壹萬圓 (Ten Thousand Yuan) | 中華民國 (Republic of China) | 印年六十三 (Printed Year 63 [of the Republic calendar]) | SERIES 7-A | Serial Number: 922757. REVERSE SIDE: THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA | 壹萬 (Ten Thousand) | TEN THOUSAND YUAN | 10000 | 1947 | SECURITY BANKNOTE COMPANY. Additional red chops/seals appear on the front in traditional rectangular format containing Chinese characters.
Intaglio engraving (line engraving) produced by the Security Banknote Company, a prominent American security printer. The detailed crosshatch patterns, fine portrait rendering, ornate border work, and precision denomination printing are all hallmarks of traditional intaglio technology. The quality of engraving and consistent line work throughout both sides demonstrates the sophisticated anti-counterfeiting measures employed by this printer for Chinese Central Bank notes of this period.
Identified as Series 7-A based on visible inscription. Serial number 922757 is recorded. The printing year notation of '印年六十三' (Year 63 of the Republic calendar = 1947) is consistent with the catalog date. Security Banknote Company printing is confirmed by reverse inscription. No notable overprints or significant varieties are apparent in this specimen; the note represents a standard production example of Pick P-319.
