10 cents 1940

Common. The eBay price history shows multiple examples selling in the $6.50-$39 range across various grades (EF through UNC) from 2013-2025, with recent comparable UNC specimens achieving approximately $30-$40. The 2016 catalogue value of $9.50 for UNC further confirms this is a regularly available note. The consistent appearance of this denomination in the secondary market and moderate pricing at all condition grades indicates a substantial original print run with adequate survivor population.

Issued during Japan's occupation of much of China, the Bank of China's 1940 10-cent notes reflect the institution's effort to maintain legitimate currency circulation in unoccupied territories. The depicted pagoda symbolizes traditional Chinese culture and architectural heritage, serving as a nationalist emblem during this turbulent period. The bilingual English-Chinese design demonstrates the cosmopolitan nature of Chinese finance during the pre-communist era and the Bank of China's international standing.

The obverse features a symmetrical composition centered on a classical Chinese pagoda with multiple receding tiers, positioned right of center against a landscape background with vegetation. To the left, a cloud-shaped cartouche containing Chinese characters serves as a traditional decorative element. Ornate scrollwork and floral designs occupy all four corners, with a series of decorative seals or stamps arranged horizontally below the main cartouche. The reverse employs a Western-style formal layout with 'BANK OF CHINA' prominently displayed in an upper dark banner, the large denomination numeral '10' centrally positioned within ornate rectangular frames, and a signature line for the General Manager at the lower portion. The Jinling Printing Office (金陵印製所), a major Chinese security printer of the era, is credited on the obverse.

Front side: '中國銀行' (Bank of China), '壹角' (One jiao/ten cents), '金陵印製所造' (Made by Jinling Printing Office), serial number '0595503'. Back side: 'BANK OF CHINA' (English header), 'TEN CENTS' (English denomination), '10' (numeric denomination), 'GENERAL MANAGER' (signature line designation).

Intaglio engraving (copperplate printing), evidenced by the fine line work, detailed background patterns, and the dimensional quality of the design elements visible in the images. The Jinling Printing Office (located in Nanjing) was known for high-quality engraved banknote production using traditional intaglio methods, which is consistent with the fine scrollwork and security features observed throughout both sides of the note.

The observed serial number '0595503' in blue numerals suggests this note belongs to a standard production variety. No overprints or special markings are evident from the visual analysis. The Jinling Printing Office attribution is consistent with the regular 1940 issue. Without access to comprehensive variety documentation for Pick P-82, specific variety designation cannot be definitively established from available information, though the bilingual design and Jinling imprint are standard for this Pick number.