10 yuan 1945
About This Note
This 1945 Soviet Military 10 Yuan note represents a fascinating piece of World War II-era Chinese numismatics, issued by Soviet Red Army Headquarters for use in occupied territories. The note displays the characteristic ornate red and purple design with elaborate dragon motifs and scrollwork typical of mid-20th century Chinese currency, and despite showing age-related wear with creasing, foxing, and cream-tan discoloration consistent with its VF grade, the fine engraving details remain well-preserved and legible. The dual serial number prefixes (OF and CF variants) and traditional Chinese characters emphasizing wartime authority make this a notable example of military occupation currency from this historically significant period.
Common. While Soviet Military occupation currency from 1945 is historically significant, these notes were issued in substantial quantities for administrative use across occupied territories in Manchuria. The PMG population report indicates cataloging of this Pick number without notation of extreme scarcity. The VF grade observed here represents typical preservation for a note of this age and issuer type. Such notes remain relatively accessible to collectors of World War II currency and Chinese numismatics, with market values generally reflecting historical interest rather than rarity premiums.
This note was issued during the final year of World War II by the Soviet Red Army Headquarters (蘇聯紅軍司令部) for use in territories under Soviet military control in Manchuria and northern China. The inscription 'Must be used for all payments' and the wartime law reference regarding counterfeiting reflect the military administration's need to establish monetary control in occupied regions. The simultaneous display of both Soviet military authority and Republic of China (中華民國) designation illustrates the complex geopolitical situation of 1945, when Soviet forces occupied parts of Manchuria following their August 1945 invasion of Japanese-held territories.
The obverse features a symmetrical, highly ornamental design dominated by elaborate dragon motifs positioned in all four corners with ornamental scrollwork and flourishes characteristic of traditional Chinese numismatic design. The center displays a vertical rectangular cartouche containing the denomination in large Chinese characters, flanked by fine-line engraving and crosshatching that serves both aesthetic and security purposes. A circular medallion with traditional Chinese design elements is incorporated into the overall composition. The reverse employs a slightly more minimalist approach while maintaining the red and purple color scheme, with phoenix or dragon motifs adorning the top and bottom borders in ornamental scrollwork. Background geometric patterns provide additional visual complexity. Denomination indicators appear in white boxes at all four corners on both sides.
FRONT SIDE: Main text reads '蘇聯紅軍司令部' (Soviet Red Army Headquarters) with denomination '十圓' (Ten Yuan). The obligation clause states '為一切支付必使用' (Must be used for all payments). The issuing authority is identified as '中華民國' (Republic of China). Serial numbers appear as 'OF 726200' and 'CF 726200' with the numeral '10' in all four corners. BACK SIDE: Denomination shown as '拾圓' (Ten Yuan, alternative written form). Warning text states '惟造支票以戰時法處罰' (Forging checks will be punished according to wartime law). The numeral '10' appears again in all four corners.
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), evidenced by the intricate fine-line work, crosshatching patterns, and relief printing characteristics visible throughout both sides. The depth of line work and the fine detail preservation despite circulation wear are consistent with high-quality intaglio production. The specific printer/security printer for Soviet Military currency issued in 1945 is not definitively documented in standard references, though Soviet occupation currency of this period was typically produced by Soviet state printing facilities or under their direct supervision.
The observed note displays serial number prefixes 'OF 726200' and 'CF 726200', indicating this is a documented variant within the P-M33 classification. These letter prefixes may represent different printing batches or series within the Soviet Military currency issue. The PMG population report confirms one variant exists for this base Pick number, and the serial number configuration observed here should be cross-referenced against known Soviet Military currency serial numbering systems to determine if specific prefix patterns constitute recognized varieties.
