200 yuan 1944

Common. The eBay price data shows a VF example selling for $74 in 2021, well within the catalog value range of $40 for VF condition (2016 reference), and below the AUNC price of $146.50. These moderate market prices, combined with the catalog values showing this denomination was issued as a regular issue, indicate healthy collector availability. The 200 Yuan denomination from 1944 was part of standard Central Bank production runs and does not show evidence of extreme scarcity. No print run restrictions or recall notices are documented for Pick-262.

Issued in 1944 during the final years of the Second Sino-Japanese War, this note represents the Central Bank of China's wartime currency production under the Nationalist government. The portrait of Sun Yat-sen (founder of the Republic of China) reinforced national identity during a period of existential conflict, while the traditional Chinese aesthetic elements reflected continuity with Republican values. The note's denomination and printing quality demonstrate the Central Bank's efforts to maintain monetary stability despite wartime economic pressures and competing currency issuance from occupied territories.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Sun Yat-sen (孫中山), the founding father of the Republic of China, positioned in an oval frame on the left portion of the note. His image is rendered in profile facing leftward, dressed in formal Western-style attire befitting his statesman status. The reverse displays a symmetrical, ornate design centered on the denomination, with large '200' numerals positioned in all four corners. Both sides employ extensive traditional Chinese decorative motifs including intricate scrollwork borders, floral and geometric patterns, cloud-shaped cartouches, and lotus medallion elements. Red square seals and serial numbers on the obverse add authenticity markers. The cream-beige paper base contrasts with dark green (obverse) and brown (reverse) printing, creating visual distinction between the two sides.

FRONT SIDE: Serial number 'H010945' (appears upper left and upper right); '中央銀行' (Central Bank); '貳百圓' (200 Yuan); '中華民國三十三年印' (Printed in Year 33 of the Republic of China [1944]). BACK SIDE: '200' (denomination numeral, appears in all four corners); '貳百圓' (200 Yuan, center cartouche).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing), evidenced by the fine line work, cross-hatching, detailed border patterns, and the three-dimensional relief quality visible throughout the design. The intricate oval frame surrounding the portrait, the elaborate scrollwork, and the precision of the denomination numerals are characteristic of high-quality intaglio production. The printer is identified by Chinese characters on the reverse (noted in catalog data as 'Chinese 6 characters'), consistent with Central Bank of China printing practices of the period, likely produced by the Chinese government's security printing facilities.

This example displays serial number H010945, which may represent a specific printing block or batch within the 1944 production run. The serial number prefix 'H' could indicate a particular printing session or security printer identification. No major varieties (such as signature changes, overprints, or significant date variations) are evident in this Pick-262 issue. The condition and state of preservation are consistent with standard VF grading for this note type from the period.