1000 yuan 1945
About This Note
This is an AU-graded 1000 Yuan note from 1945 issued by the Federal Reserve Bank of China (中國聯合準備銀行), featuring magnificent engraved landscapes of the Great Wall of China on the obverse and traditional Chinese fortified architecture on the reverse. The note displays excellent preservation for its age with characteristic period foxing and toning, intricate fine-line engraving work throughout, and ornate decorative borders that showcase the sophisticated security printing of wartime Chinese currency.
Common. While this is an early Chinese Communist era/late Nationalist period note from 1945, the Federal Reserve Bank of China issued substantial quantities of high-denomination notes during this inflationary period. The AU condition grade indicates it has been preserved reasonably well, but these notes remain readily available to collectors in the current market. No specific print run restrictions or recall history elevate the rarity profile of Pick J91r.
Issued during the final year of the Second Sino-Japanese War and the broader context of World War II, this 1945 note represents the Federal Reserve Bank of China's high-denomination currency during a period of significant economic strain and inflation in China. The deliberate choice of Great Wall imagery on the obverse and fortified architectural elements on the reverse reflect nationalist symbolism and China's historical military strength during this tumultuous period. The note's intricate engraving and security features represent the technical capabilities of Chinese printers despite the wartime challenges of the 1940s.
The obverse features a panoramic landscape engraving of the Great Wall of China with multiple watchtowers winding through mountainous terrain with valleys, symbolizing national pride and historical continuity. A large circular medallion containing Chinese characters is positioned on the left side as a security seal. The reverse depicts traditional Chinese military architecture—fortified garrison buildings or fortress structures arranged in a valley setting, representing defensive strength. Both sides are framed with elaborate ornamental borders featuring scalloped edges, corner floral medallions with intricate scrollwork, and geometric patterns. Denomination numerals '1000' appear on both obverse and reverse with Chinese character equivalents. The color scheme employs green and cream/beige with black fine-line engraving throughout.
Front: '中國聯合準備銀行' (China United Reserve Bank), '圓千壹' (One Thousand Yuan), '1000' (Arabic numerals). Back: '圓' (Yuan - currency unit designation, appearing twice), '1000' (Arabic numerals). All inscriptions are in Traditional Chinese characters and Arabic numerals consistent with the period.
Intaglio engraving (copperplate/steel plate engraving) with fine-line cross-hatching and detailed security work. The intricate border patterns, precise decorative scrollwork, and security features such as fine-line backgrounds are characteristic of high-security intaglio printing. This note was likely produced by Chinese security printers during the wartime period, possibly the China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation or similar government contractor.
Pick J91r denotes the reverse variety of this note. The 'r' designation indicates this is the reverse side catalog entry. Collectors should note potential varieties in serial number prefixes, signature blocks, and overprint dates that may exist within the 1945 issue, though the provided visual analysis does not reveal sufficient serial number detail to identify the specific variety range of this individual specimen.
