1000 yuan 1944
About This Note
This is an exceptional example of the Central Reserve Bank of China's 1000 yuan note from 1944 (Pick J32a), graded in AU condition. The note displays remarkable preservation with crisp printing, vibrant colors (navy blue, cream, light green, red, and pink/mauve), and no visible creases or tears despite its nearly 80-year age. The elaborate baroque-style engraving and fine line work throughout, combined with the historical significance of this wartime Chinese currency, makes this an important example of mid-20th century Asian numismatics.
Common. While this note dates from wartime China and carries historical significance, the Central Reserve Bank of China issued these notes in substantial quantities during 1944-1945. The 1000 yuan denomination, though high-value for its era, was produced in significant numbers. AU condition examples are readily available in the numismatic market at moderate prices ($15-40), indicating robust supply relative to collector demand. No evidence of limited print runs or mass recall that would elevate this to scarce or rare status.
Issued during Japan's occupation of eastern China in World War II, this note represents the currency of the Chinese Nationalist government's Central Reserve Bank, which continued operations in unoccupied regions. The Great Wall gateway depicted on the reverse symbolizes Chinese national identity and sovereignty during this period of fragmentation. The signatures of H.H. Kung (Governor) and Z.K. Kwei (Vice Governor) document the financial leadership attempting to maintain monetary stability amid wartime economic pressures.
The front features a centrally positioned portrait of a serious-faced adult male in formal military or official dress, set within an ornate oval frame and surrounded by elaborate floral and geometric designs. The reverse depicts a monumental Great Wall gateway tower with traditional peaked roof architecture, mountains visible in the background, and steps ascending to the structure—a powerful symbol of Chinese national heritage. Both sides are framed by ornamental borders featuring Greek key meander patterns and baroque-style scrollwork, with decorative circular medallions incorporating cloud and floral motifs in each corner. Red security seals with Chinese characters appear on the front. The color scheme transitions between navy blue, cream, light green, and red on the obverse, and navy blue, pink/mauve, and cream on the reverse.
FRONT SIDE: '中央銀行儲備中' (Central Reserve Bank of China), '中華民國' (Republic of China), '壹仟圓' (One Thousand Yuan), '壹仟' (One Thousand), 'ATX' (printer/security designation). BACK SIDE: 'THE CENTRAL RESERVE BANK OF CHINA' (English title), '1000' (denomination in Arabic numerals, appears in all four corners), 'ONE THOUSAND YUAN' (English text), '1944' (year of issue), 'H.H. Kung' (Governor signature), 'GOVERNOR' (title), 'Z.K. Kwei' (Vice Governor signature), 'VICE GOVERNOR' (title).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving) printed from steel plates, evidenced by the fine line detail, intricate crosshatch patterns visible in background areas, and exceptional clarity of the elaborate designs. The note demonstrates characteristics consistent with high-security banknote production of the 1940s era, likely produced by the American Bank Note Company or similar international security printer contracted by the Chinese Nationalist government during wartime.
This example is identified as Pick J32a, which is the standard variety of the 1944 1000 yuan note. The signature combination of H.H. Kung and Z.K. Kwei is consistent with notes from the later wartime period. The 'ATX' marking visible on the obverse may indicate the printer designation. No serial numbers are clearly visible in the provided images, but variations in serial number prefixes and printing dates within 1944 may exist for this Pick number. Further examination of the serial number and any watermark details would be necessary to identify sub-varieties if present.
