5 fen 1944
About This Note
This is a 5 fen note from 1944 issued by the Federal Reserve Bank of China during the Republic of China period, presented in AU (About Uncirculated) condition. The note features a striking multi-tiered traditional Chinese pagoda on the obverse and symmetrical circular medallions on the reverse, rendered in navy blue and cream tones with exceptional clarity and minimal wear. The crisp printing, intricate geometric patterns, and authentic red seal stamps make this an attractive example of wartime Chinese currency design.
Common. The 5 fen denomination in this series was produced in substantial quantities to serve as fractional currency during the 1944 period. No evidence exists of restricted print runs, early recall, or supply limitations that would elevate this note to scarcity status. The Pick J68 designation indicates this is a catalogued but not particularly scarce variety of Republican Chinese currency.
Issued in 1944 (Year 33 of the Republic), this note represents currency from the later stages of the Second Sino-Japanese War, when the Federal Reserve Bank of China served as a central banking authority for the Nationalist government. The prominent display of traditional Chinese architecture—specifically the multi-tiered pagoda—reflects the government's emphasis on cultural continuity and national identity during a period of military conflict and territorial fragmentation. The formal bilingual inscriptions and ornamental design conventions exemplify the banking institutions' efforts to maintain monetary legitimacy and public confidence in Chinese currency during this turbulent era.
The obverse features a prominent multi-tiered Chinese pagoda with visible architectural details including stairs and decorative elements, positioned on the left side and serving as the primary focal point. The reverse maintains strict bilateral symmetry with two large circular medallions containing the denomination '50,' flanking a central diamond-shaped decorative cartouche containing Chinese characters. Both sides employ elaborate geometric cross-hatching patterns as background security elements, with scalloped decorative borders and ornamental frames characteristic of Republican-era Chinese banknote design. Corner positions on the obverse contain circular seals bearing Chinese characters, while red rectangular authentication stamps appear throughout. The color scheme of dark navy blue printing on cream/beige stock creates strong visual contrast and enhances the note's formal appearance.
FRONT: 中華民國聯合準備銀行 (Federal Reserve Bank of the Republic of China) | 民國三十三年印 (Printed in Year 33 of the Republic, corresponding to 1944) | 五十 (Fifty) | 區 (Region/Area designation). BACK: 角五 (Five Jiao) | 50 (Numeric denomination) | 華中華民國聯合準備銀行發行印製 (Issued and printed by the Federal Reserve Bank of the Republic of China).
This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing techniques, evidenced by the crisp, finely-detailed geometric patterns, sharp line work in the borders, and the precise reproduction of the architectural pagoda with distinct shadowing and dimensional detail. The intricate cross-hatching and decorative elements show the characteristic clarity and depth possible only with intaglio processes. The Federal Reserve Bank of China's currency was typically produced by the China Central Engraving and Printing Works or foreign security printers contracted during this period.
The visual analysis does not reveal distinguishing variety characteristics such as signature variations, altered serial number prefixes, or documented overprint variants that would differentiate this specific example as a named variety within Pick J68. The note appears to be a standard printing from the main issue. Collectors should note the year designation (民國三十三年, Year 33 of the Republic) confirms 1944 production, which is consistent with the Pick catalog assignment.
