2 jiao 1953

Common. The 1953 2 Jiao (Pick 864) was issued in substantial quantities as a regular circulation note. eBay market data shows consistent sales across multiple condition grades from 2013-2024, with VF-graded examples typically achieving $118-$167, indicating steady collector demand but no scarcity premium. The note remains relatively affordable and appears regularly in the market, confirming its common status.

Issued in 1953, this note represents the People's Bank of China's early currency during the consolidation period of the newly established People's Republic of China. The prominent steam locomotive imagery symbolized the PRC's emphasis on modernization and industrial development, key themes of the period as China rebuilt its infrastructure following the civil war. This first-series currency (1953 issue) is historically significant as it marks the early standardization of PRC banknote design under the new socialist government.

The obverse features a meticulously engraved steam locomotive traveling leftward on railroad tracks with a mountainous landscape in the background, symbolizing industrial progress and transportation advancement. The locomotive is rendered in fine detail with gray and black tones against a greenish background. An ornate rectangular cartouche on the right side contains the denomination and issuer information in Chinese characters. The reverse presents a formal, symmetrical design with an elaborate central cartouche framed by ornamental scrollwork and decorative borders, rendered in tan and beige tones with black typography. The national emblem of the People's Republic of China appears at the top of the obverse. Red official seals are visible on the obverse, and the serial number is displayed prominently.

Front side: '中国人民银行' (People's Bank of China), '贰角' (Two Jiao denomination), 'II IV-3307796' (serial number). Back side: '中国人民银行' (People's Bank of China), '贰角' (Two Jiao), '中華人民共和國' (People's Republic of China), '1953' (issue year).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), a traditional security printing method evident from the fine line work, precise detail in the locomotive rendering, and characteristic engraved borders visible throughout both sides. The complex cartouche designs and decorative elements demonstrate the high-quality craftsmanship typical of currency produced by the Chinese state security printing establishment during this period.

Serial number II IV-3307796 observed on this specimen. The 1953 2 Jiao exists with various serial number prefixes; the 'II IV' prefix (Roman numerals II, then IV) is consistent with standard printings of this issue. No overprints or unusual varieties are evident on this example. The S/M catalog reference C283-5 indicates this is the standard design variant for the 1953 2 Jiao denomination.