100 yuan 1944

common. The Federal Reserve Bank of China issued this 100 Yuan denomination in substantial quantities during 1944 to meet wartime monetary demand. While hyperinflation rendered many such notes worthless shortly after issue, survival rates for this Pick number appear to be adequate, with examples regularly appearing in dealer inventories and at auction. The AU grade achieved here reflects careful preservation rather than extreme scarcity, and comparable examples are obtainable at moderate collector prices.

Issued during the final year of the Second Sino-Japanese War and the waning days of the Republic of China's Nationalist government, this 100 Yuan note represents a critical period of Chinese monetary history when hyperinflation was beginning to erode the currency's value. The Federal Reserve Bank of China, established to centralize monetary control, issued this denomination as part of efforts to stabilize the wartime economy. The depicted waterfront scene and pagoda symbolize China's cultural heritage and commercial vitality, imagery chosen to inspire confidence in a government and currency under severe wartime stress.

The obverse features a sophisticated tripartite composition: the upper left displays a dragon coiled in stylized clouds, a traditional Chinese symbol of imperial authority and power; the right side contains a portrait medallion of a bearded official in traditional formal dress and headwear, likely representing a nationalist government figure or historical dignitary; the center presents an elaborate harbor landscape with multiple sailing vessels, coastal buildings, and a prominent multi-tiered pagoda, symbolizing China's maritime commerce and cultural monuments. The reverse adopts a formal, symmetrical design centered on the large numeral '100' with 'YUAN' inscribed below, flanked by Chinese characters for the denomination in decorative cartouches. Both sides are enclosed in ornate borders featuring fine geometric patterns and floral scrollwork executed in black and brown tones on cream-colored paper. Red official seals and stamps punctuate the front design, adding authenticity and governmental authority.

FRONT: 中國聯合準備銀行 (Federal Reserve Bank of China); 國民政府 (National Government); 中華民國 (Republic of China); Serial numbers 063801 and 0639014; Batch/series number 58; Denomination 100 in corner cartouches. BACK: 100 (Arabic numerals); 100 YUAN (English); 佰圓 (One Hundred Yuan in Traditional Chinese); 中國聯合準備銀行 (Federal Reserve Bank of China).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) on high-quality banknote paper, evidenced by the fine-line detail work, precise geometric border patterns, and multi-layered ornamental elements visible in both the portrait medallion and landscape scene. The consistent depth and crispness of the engraving, particularly in the decorative borders and the dragon motif, indicates professional security printing typical of Chinese banknote production during the 1940s. The red seals and numerals appear to have been applied by separate printing passes, a common security feature of the era.

This specimen displays serial numbers 063801 and 0639014 with batch number 58. The specific series and serial number prefix configurations may indicate a particular printing run or batch within the 1944 issue. Collectors should note potential varieties based on signature varieties, different seal placements, or serial number prefix variations among 1944 Federal Reserve Bank notes, though the catalog data does not specify distinct named varieties for Pick J59. The visible wear pattern and foxing suggest this note was in active circulation, which may affect its desirability relative to uncirculated examples.