25 0000 custom gold units 1948
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About This Note
This 25,000 Custom Gold Units note from 1948 represents a fascinating piece of late-period Chinese currency issued by the Central Bank of China during the final years before the Communist takeover. The note features a distinguished portrait of Sun Yat-sen in classical engraving style on the obverse, with the Central Bank building depicted on the reverse, and is rendered in warm reddish-brown tones characteristic of ABNC production. The example presented is in UNC condition with only minor foxing, displaying sharp printing quality and excellent preservation that makes it a desirable collector specimen of this historically significant issue.
Common. While this is a legitimate historical issue from the final year of Central Bank circulation, eBay market data shows consistent availability across multiple condition grades with UNC examples selling between $64.99 and $158.00. The 2016 catalogue value of $250 for UNC is notably higher than current secondary market realization, suggesting either improved supply or market adjustment. The note was part of a substantial final-year emission before currency reform, and surviving examples remain readily available to collectors, indicating no significant scarcity factor.
Issued in 1948, this note represents the Central Bank of China's final currency denominations before the currency collapsed under hyperinflation during the Chinese Civil War's concluding phase. The prominent depiction of the neoclassical Central Bank building on the reverse symbolized institutional stability that was rapidly eroding, while the portrait of Sun Yat-sen (the father of the Chinese republic) represented the ideological continuity the Nationalist government sought to maintain during this tumultuous period. The denomination in 'Custom Gold Units' reflects the government's attempt to create a stable unit of account amid severe devaluation of standard currency.
The obverse features a formal portrait of Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925), founder of the Republic of China, presented in an oval frame within classical engraved borders. The oval portrait is centrally positioned beneath traditional Chinese text identifying the Central Bank, with ornate decorative cartouches and geometric guilloche patterns flanking the design. The reverse depicts the neoclassical headquarters building of the Central Bank of China, featuring multiple stories with regular fenestration, prominent columns, and a distinctive central clock tower—symbolizing institutional permanence and modernity. The building is framed by an English-language banner and surrounded by ornate borders matching the obverse design. Both sides employ consistent reddish-brown color printing on cream stock, creating visual harmony characteristic of American Banknote Company's sophisticated currency designs.
OBVERSE: 中央銀行 (Central Bank) appears as the primary issuing authority identifier; Serial number B471517 printed in red; 中華民國七十三年 (Republic of China Year 73, visible as reverse text, corresponding to 1948 in the traditional calendar). REVERSE: 'THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA' appears on the banner above the building; '25000' and 'TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND CUSTOM GOLD UNITS' provide dual-language denomination specification; 'Huo Kiang Sun Yen' identifies the signatories in transliterated form; 'GENERAL MANAGER' and 'ASST GENERAL MANAGER' indicate official titles; '1948' confirms the issue year; 'AMERICAN BANKNOTE COMPANY' identifies the printing firm.
This note was produced using intaglio engraving (steel plate engraving), evidenced by the fine line work, precise guilloche patterns, intricate border detailing, and sharp portrait rendering visible throughout both sides. The American Banknote Company, credited as printer, employed their signature high-security engraving methodology standard for legitimate government currency production in this era. The red serial number application and multi-color coordination suggest additional letterpress or offset overprinting elements coordinated with the primary intaglio work.
Serial number B471517 indicates this specimen belongs to the B-series printing run. The signatures identified as 'Huo Kiang' (General Manager) and 'Sun Yen' (Assistant General Manager) should be verified against known signatory combinations for this issue to establish specific variety classification. Pick P-365 typically encompasses the standard design with these denominations and dates; variations in signature combinations may denote distinct sub-varieties. No overprints or subsequent modifications are visible on this example.
