10 silver dollar 1949

Common. The eBay market data shows this note regularly selling in the $5-$22.50 range across multiple condition grades (VF through PMG 65), with consistent sales activity over more than a decade (2010-2025). The catalog value for VF grade is listed at $5 (2016), and actual realized prices for VF specimens average $10-$15. The consistent availability and moderate pricing indicate a healthy supply of this issue in the collector market, typical of a regular issue with substantial print runs.

Issued in 1949 by the Central Bank of China during the final year of the Republic of China's control of the mainland, this note represents a transitional period in Chinese monetary history. The inclusion of English text promising payment in silver dollars reflects the note's role in international trade and the Republic's continued efforts to maintain currency credibility amid civil war. The Chinese junk depicted on the reverse symbolizes China's maritime heritage and economic continuity, even as the political situation deteriorated.

The obverse presents a formal composition centered on an elaborate circular medallion containing traditional Chinese dragon or cloud motifs, flanked by red square seals or official chops. A male portrait in profile facing left is positioned in an oval frame on the right side, likely representing a Chinese statesman or founder of the Republic. Ornamental borders with floral and scrollwork patterns in dark gray and black frame the entire design against a cream-colored background, with red serial numbers displayed in the upper portion. The reverse features a dominant central oval containing a detailed engraving of a traditional Chinese junk with full sails, symbolizing maritime commerce and national heritage. Matching ornamental borders with geometric patterns and decorative corner elements frame this composition, with denomination numerals prominently displayed in all four corners and key English text describing it as a silver dollar note payable on demand.

OBVERSE: Central Bank (中央銀行), Ten Yuan/Dollars (拾圓), Silver Currency/Exchange (兑元銀), Republic of China (中華民國), Serial Number: 981662 (Arabic numerals). REVERSE: "THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA" (English), "PROMISES TO PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND" (English), "TEN SILVER DOLLARS" (English), "CANTON" (English, indicating the place of issue/printing location), "CHUNG HWA BOOK CO. LTD" (English, printer's name), Denomination "10" (Arabic numerals in all four corners), Printer's reference "IS443".

Intaglio (steel engraving) printing method, evidenced by the deep, crisp line work, fine detail in the junk illustration, and complex ornamental borders designed for security purposes. The printer is identified as CHB (Chung Hwa Book Company Limited) in Canton, as noted in the catalog data. The intricate engraving throughout, fine line detail, and precise registration of multiple colors indicate professional security printing typical of major central bank note production of the era.

This specimen is cataloged as Pick P-447b, indicating it is variant 'b' of the 10 Silver Dollar 1949 issue. The visual analysis confirms the characteristic reverse design featuring the Chinese junk (distinguishing it from variant 'a' if that exists as a separate design type). The serial number 981662 visible on the obverse and the Canton imprint on the reverse are consistent with documented specimens of this variety. No overprints or unusual markings are evident from the visual analysis.