10 yuan 1941

Common. The eBay transaction history provided shows consistent sales in the $15-$77 range across multiple condition grades (F through PMG 66) from 2012-2020, with UNC examples selling for $17-$26 during 2013 and lower prices in more recent years. The catalog value of $30 for UNC condition and the high volume of sales transactions at modest prices indicate this is a readily available note in the collector market. Print runs for Central Bank of China notes from 1941 were substantial, and this particular series does not appear to have been recalled or to represent a short-lived issuing authority variant.

Issued during the Second Sino-Japanese War period by the Central Bank of the Republic of China, this note represents the wartime currency of the Chinese Nationalist government. The bilingual English and Chinese inscriptions reflect China's international banking connections during this era, while the formal portrait and ornate design convey the authority and legitimacy the Central Bank sought to project despite the chaos of war. The printing by Security Banknote Company, a foreign security printer, indicates the technical sophistication and international partnerships necessary to produce trustworthy currency during this turbulent period.

The front features a dignified male portrait in formal Western attire positioned within an ornate circular frame on the left side, representing a high-ranking official or statesman of the Republic of China. The dominant central element is a large decorative rosette medallion in pink and dark blue containing the denomination, flanked by red square seals. The entire design is framed by an elaborate scrollwork and floral border in blue, with a beige and pink wavy line background pattern providing security and aesthetic appeal. The reverse maintains the ornate design philosophy with a large central medallion displaying 'YUAN' text, corner ornaments featuring '10' denomination numerals, and similar fine-line engraving patterns throughout in green and cream coloring. The back includes both Chinese and English inscriptions reflecting the note's dual-language authority.

FRONT: Central Bank (中央銀行), Ten Yuan (拾圓拾), Serial Number 0016289, Printed Chinese Republic Year 12 (印十二國民華中). BACK: The Central Bank of China, 10 Yuan (TEN YUAN), Serial Number 0016289, Year 1945, Security Banknote Company, 1st General Manager, General Manager.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), executed by the Security Banknote Company as noted on the reverse. The fine-line background patterns, intricate border designs, ornate medallions, and complex scrollwork are characteristic of professional security printing using engraved plates. The precise registration of multiple colors and the sharp detail throughout the design indicate high-quality steel plate engraving combined with multi-color offset or letterpress printing.

Pick 239b variety. The note displays serial number 0016289. The visual analysis notes a date marking of 1945 on the reverse, which aligns with the cataloging year of 1941 but may indicate printing or release date variations typical of Chinese Republican-era currency. The specific variety designation 'b' in Pick 239b should be consulted in the Pick catalog to determine distinguishing characteristics from variety 'a', which may relate to signature varieties, printer marks, or subtle design modifications not definitively resolved through visual analysis alone.