10 yuan 1941

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows EF specimens selling for $60 and PMG 64 examples at $30, with catalog values listing UNC at only $7.50 as of 2016. These modest market prices and the existence of multiple cataloged varieties (P-159f, P-159g, P-159s) indicate a reasonable print run and steady collector availability. The 1941 date and Bank of Communications issuer represent a high-volume, widely-circulated note type rather than a scarce emission.

Issued during the Second Sino-Japanese War period (1941), this Bank of Communications note reflects China's continued reliance on transportation imagery to represent modernization and national progress. The prominent steam locomotive symbolized China's industrial aspirations and the critical role of rail transport in connecting the fractured territories during wartime. The Bank of Communications, as one of China's major financial institutions, maintained note issuance even as the country faced occupation and internal strife, with this denomination serving everyday commercial transactions across regions still under Republican control.

The obverse features a dynamic scene of a steam locomotive with attached passenger cars moving rightward through a landscape, accompanied by telegraph poles that symbolize modern communication infrastructure. This locomotive vignette occupies the center-right portion of the note and represents China's railroad expansion during the Republican era. The reverse displays the denomination '10' in ornate circular rosette medallions positioned at all four corners and prominently in a central cartouche. Both sides are bordered by intricate geometric and floral engraved patterns that serve as both aesthetic and security elements. Red serial numbers in standard format appear on both sides. The color palette of brown, pink/mauve, and cream creates the distinctive appearance characteristic of Bank of Communications notes from this period.

FRONT SIDE: Serial numbers 'L885683' and 'L885684' appear in red; Chinese text '行銀通交' (Bank of Communications, read right-to-left in traditional style) and '中華民國十三' (Chinese Republic, Year 13 of the Republic, corresponding to 1924 in the original dating system, though this note is from 1941). BACK SIDE: Serial numbers 'L885683' and 'L885684' repeated in red; English text 'BANK OF COMMUNICATIONS', '10', 'TEN', and '1941' indicating denomination and issue year; printer's mark 'BAM TUNG BANK CO., LTD.' identifies the security printer (likely referring to DTBC - Da Tung Bank Company or similar entity).

This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the deep, fine line work visible throughout the design, particularly in the intricate border patterns, locomotive vignette details, and rosette medallions. The security printer identified as 'BAM TUNG BANK CO., LTD.' (likely DTBC - Da Tung Bank Company) employed traditional engraving techniques to create the complex geometric and floral security patterns that permeate the background. The precision of the serial number application in red suggests supplementary letterpress printing for the numerals after the primary intaglio run.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-159g, one of three known varieties for the base 10 Yuan denomination with printer designation DTBC. The specific variety is differentiated from P-159f (also DTBC) and P-159s by subtle printing or design characteristics. The serial number prefix 'L' and the 1941 date confirm the period of issue. Examination of the printer's mark and detailed design elements would be necessary to definitively confirm the P-159g attribution versus the closely-related P-159f variant.