5 fen 1939
About This Note
This is a pristine, uncirculated example of the 1939 Chinese 5 Fen note issued by the Federal Reserve Bank of China (Pick J47b), graded PMG 65 EPQ. The note features an elegant red and pink color scheme with ornate decorative borders and a central architectural bridge motif, displaying exceptional paper quality and sharp engraving detail throughout. As a gem uncirculated specimen with exceptional paper quality notation, this represents a desirable example of early Republican-era Chinese fractional currency.
Common. While this specific note and issuer represent historically significant Chinese currency, the 5 fen denomination from 1939 was produced in substantial quantities for circulation needs during the period. The PMG 65 EPQ grade indicates exceptional preservation rather than rarity, and these notes remain readily available in the collector market at modest price points relative to other Chinese Republican-era issues.
This note was issued during the Second Sino-Japanese War period under the Republic of China (中華民國), when the Federal Reserve Bank of China served as a coordinating institution for currency matters. The bridge depicted on the obverse represents infrastructure modernization efforts of the era, reflecting the Republic's aspirations during a period of significant political and military upheaval. Small denomination notes like this 5 fen piece were essential for everyday commerce in a fractional currency system during the turbulent late 1930s.
The obverse features a symmetrical composition centered on a bridge or significant architectural structure, flanked by large ornamental circular medallions containing geometric patterns and government seals. The design employs a cream or beige background with red/pink printing. The reverse presents a more minimalist design with a central cartouche prominently displaying the denomination (5 分/fen) surrounded by baroque-style ornamental flourishes and scrollwork in the corners. The overall aesthetic reflects the formal, classical design sensibilities of early Republican Chinese currency.
Front: 中國聯合準備銀行 (Federal Reserve Bank of China), 中華民國 (Republic of China), 五 (Five). Back: 5 (Arabic numeral), 分 (Fen - fractional currency unit), 貳/五 (Five - traditional/formal Chinese numeral). The denomination is indicated both in Arabic numerals and traditional Chinese characters on both sides.
Fine line engraving using traditional intaglio printing methods, characteristic of Federal Reserve Bank of China issues from this period. The intricate decorative patterns, geometric designs, and sharp detail definition visible throughout indicate skilled engraving work typical of high-quality currency production of the era. The security features emphasize ornamental complexity rather than modern security printing methods.
Pick catalog designation J47b indicates this is a recognized variety within the Federal Reserve Bank of China 5 fen series. Without visible serial numbers or signatures clearly readable in the analysis provided, specific serial number prefixes or signature varieties cannot be definitively identified from this graded specimen. The note should be examined in hand to document exact serial number range and any other identifying characteristics that distinguish J47b from related varieties.
