1000 custom gold units 1947

Common. While this Pick number represents a legitimate historical issue from the final years of Customs Gold Units circulation, the eBay market data strongly indicates common status: recent UNC examples sold for $11.02 (2010) and catalog values place UNC specimens at $15 (2016 pricing). Multiple sales records spanning 2013-2022 with varying conditions (F, PMG 58, UNC) demonstrate consistent but modest collector demand typical of common banknotes. The denomination was part of a regular issue with apparently adequate print runs, and examples remain readily available in the secondary market without significant scarcity premiums.

Issued during the twilight years of the Republic of China's currency authority (1947), this note represents the final period of Customs Gold Units circulation before the subsequent hyperinflation crisis. The Central Bank building depicted on the reverse symbolized the institution's role in stabilizing Chinese finance during the post-WWII period. The portrait of Sun Yat-sen on the obverse honored the founding father of the modern Chinese republic, reflecting the nationalist ideology of the Kuomintang government that controlled the Central Bank during this period.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925), founder of the Republic of China, depicted in three-quarter view wearing high-collared traditional Chinese formal dress characteristic of early 20th century official portraiture. The portrait is centered within an ornate rectangular frame with intricate geometric guilloche patterns in brown and lilac tones, with red rectangular seals positioned on either side—a traditional Chinese security and verification device. A decorative circular medallion beneath the portrait contains traditional Chinese design elements. The reverse displays an engraved architectural representation of the Central Bank of China's headquarters building, a classical multi-story institutional structure with a prominent central tower and cupola, set within an ornate oval frame. Large denomination numerals (1000) appear in all four corners and at the center bottom, with signature lines for General Manager and Assistant General Manager positioned above the building image. The entire note employs fine-line engraving with complex cross-hatching and geometric security patterns throughout.

OBVERSE: 中央銀行 (Central Bank) — header text; 壹 (One) — formal numeral; 閣金壹千圓 (One Thousand Customs Gold Units) — denomination in Chinese; 中華民國六十三年 (Republic of China Year 63) — date at bottom [Note: This appears to be a cataloging discrepancy, as Year 63 of the ROC would be 1974, not 1947, suggesting either a printing date anomaly or the visual analysis captured an error]; UQ097462 A — serial number. REVERSE: THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA — institution name in English; ONE THOUSAND CUSTOMS GOLD UNITS — denomination in English; 1000 — repeated numerical denomination; GENERAL MANAGER and ASST GENERAL MANAGER — signature titles; [Two handwritten signatures] — authorization signatures of officials.

The note was produced using traditional intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the fine line work, complex geometric cross-hatching patterns, and detailed security features throughout both sides. The decorative guilloches, ornate borders, and portrait engraving demonstrate the high-level craftsmanship typical of security printing of this era. The printer mark ('5 characters' noted in catalog reference) identifies a Chinese printer, consistent with domestic production during the Central Bank's 1947 operations. The presence of multiple repeating denomination numerals and ornate medallions reflects contemporary security printing conventions of mid-20th century currency design.

The catalog reference indicates '2 serial number varieties' for this Pick number. The observed example displays serial number UQ097462 A with single-letter suffix, suggesting this represents one of the known serial number varieties. Additional varieties may include different serial number prefix combinations (such as different letter prefixes or numbering sequences). The note may also exhibit signature variety based on which Central Bank officials authorized the printing, as indicated by the handwritten signature lines present on all examples. Specific variety identification would require comparison with known serial number ranges for this Pick number; further research into Central Bank of China 1947 series documentation would be necessary to definitively classify this specimen's variety designation.