10 cents 1926
Market Prices
About This Note
This is a well-preserved example of the 1926 Provincial Bank of Chihli 10 cents note, displaying the characteristic violet and brown color scheme with the Great Wall fortress depicted on the right side of the obverse. The note shows typical aging patina with some foxing on the cream background, consistent with early 20th-century Chinese currency, yet maintains excellent structural integrity without major tears or creases. The ornate design featuring traditional Chinese cartouches, purple medallion frames, and detailed engraving work exemplifies the sophisticated security printing standards of the Chihli provincial banking era.
Uncommon. While the catalog data shows eBay prices ranging from $42 to $475 USD depending on condition, the UNC examples consistently command $399-$476, suggesting moderate scarcity in pristine condition. The median eBay pricing for this Pick number across all grades ($120-$150) indicates this is not a common note in the broader market, though it appears with reasonable frequency at Asian currency auctions. The Provincional Bank of Chihli had limited geographic circulation (Zhili Province only) and the 1926 date falls during a period of institutional flux, contributing to lower surviving populations compared to major central bank issues of the era.
The Provincial Bank of Chihli (直隸省銀行) was established during the Chinese Republican period to serve the northern Zhili Province, and this 1926 issue reflects the transitional monetary landscape of post-Qing China. The Great Wall fortress depicted on the obverse symbolizes regional identity and historical continuity, while the bilingual English-Chinese inscriptions on the reverse demonstrate the international commercial integration of the period. The note's design and printing quality reflect the modernization efforts of regional financial institutions during the 1920s, a period of significant economic and political reorganization in the Republic of China.
The obverse features a teal and gray-green border frame with ornate corner ornaments, centered around a large purple/magenta ornate medallion containing Chinese characters representing the bank's authority. Two vertical cartouches on the left side contain the bank's name and denomination information in traditional Chinese script. The right panel presents an engraved landscape illustration of a fortified mountain structure, identified as representing the Great Wall fortress near Tientsin, rendered in fine detail characteristic of security engraving. The reverse displays a predominantly purple and cream design with symmetrical decorative corner medallions containing traditional Chinese circular motifs, and prominent bilingual inscriptions centered on the note. The entire design demonstrates high-quality intaglio engraving with complex pattern work, fine line detail, and layered security elements throughout.
Front side: 直隸省銀行 (Provincial Bank of Chihli/Zhili), 角 (jiao - ten cents), 貳角 (twenty cents), Serial number 0985862, 中華民國印年五十 (Republic of China, printed in the fiftieth year [of the Republic, corresponding to 1926]). Back side: PROVINCIAL BANK OF CHIHLI (English), TWENTY CENTS (English), 貳拾 (twenty), Pao (romanized currency unit marker). Note: The catalog denomination lists 10 cents, while the visual analysis identifies inscriptions referencing both 角 (ten cents) and 貳角/TWENTY CENTS (twenty cents), indicating this may be part of a series or there is a discrepancy between the Pick designation and the actual denomination shown.
This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing methodology, evidenced by the fine line work, detailed engraving throughout, and the precise reproduction of complex ornamental borders and landscape elements. The multiple color layers (violet on brown and gray-green underprint as documented in catalog references) indicate a multi-pass printing process. The Provincial Bank of Chihli notes of this era were typically produced by the British American Tobacco Company's Currency Department or similar international security printers operating in China during the 1920s, known for high-quality intaglio production standards.
This example is cataloged as Pick S1285, with reference to Schulman-Mule catalog number C163-70. The serial number 0985862 is visible on the obverse. The note carries a date inscription indicating 中華民國印年五十 (year 50 of the Republic, = 1926), placing it within the standard 1926 issue. No overprints or special markings are evident in the visual analysis. Varieties for this Pick may include different serial number prefixes or signatures of authorized officials; this particular example should be compared against known serial ranges to determine if it represents a distinct printing batch or variety within the 1926 Provincial Bank of Chihli issue.
