25000 custom gold units 1948

Common. The eBay price history demonstrates consistent market trading with multiple sales ranging from $2.76 to $23 over an 11-year period, with VF examples typically selling in the $10-14 range. The 2016 catalogue valuation of $9 for VF is well below the thresholds that would indicate rarity. The note appears regularly enough in the market to establish reliable pricing, and the circulation evidence (foxing, yellowing, creasing) is consistent with what would be expected from moderately produced currency of the period.

Issued in 1948 by the Central Bank of China, this note represents the final phase of the Republic of China's currency before the Communist takeover in 1949. The depicted classical government building with clock tower on the reverse symbolized institutional authority and modernization during this transitional period. The bilingual English-Chinese inscriptions reflect China's engagement with Western banking practices and international trade conventions in the waning years of the Republic.

The obverse features a formal portrait of a dignified male official rendered in fine engraving style, wearing military or official dress with a high collar, positioned centrally below the 'Central Bank' heading. The portrait is flanked by red square seals, a traditional Chinese security and authority mark. The reverse showcases a detailed architectural engraving of a classical multi-story government building with a prominent central clock tower, symmetrically designed with ornamental architectural features. This building likely represents either the Central Bank's own headquarters or a significant financial institution of the period. Both sides employ elaborate ornamental borders incorporating traditional Chinese geometric corner elements and fine-line decorative patterns characteristic of high-security currency design. The color scheme of purple/mauve with cream background is consistent throughout.

OBVERSE: 中央銀行 (Central Bank); 武漢造幣廠造印 (Wuhan Mint printing); EU294045 (Serial number in red). REVERSE: THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA (ornate banner at top); 2500 (denomination, corners and cartouche); TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED CUSTOMS GOLD UNITS (denomination text in cartouche); GENERAL MANAGER and ASST GENERAL MANAGER (signature designation lines at bottom center).

This note was produced using traditional intaglio (engraved line) printing, evident from the fine line work, detailed portraiture, complex decorative borders, and the crisp definition of ornamental elements visible in both the portrait area and architectural engraving. The note was printed by the Wuhan Mint (武漢造幣廠), as noted in the inscriptions. Multiple passes and careful alignment were required to produce the multi-color purple/mauve and red effects, typical of premium currency production from this era. The fine engraving throughout served as primary security features against counterfeiting.

Serial number EU294045 is visible in red on this example. The serial number prefix 'EU' may indicate a specific printing batch or series designation. While large/small serial number varieties are known for this issue according to reference catalogs, this particular note displays the large serial number format. Additional research into serial number prefix sequences would be required to fully classify this specimen within known varieties, but no overprints, rare signatures, or other distinguishing features are evident from the visual analysis.