5 gold yuan 1948

Common. Despite its age and historical significance, this denomination and issue are relatively abundant in the collector market. eBay sales data shows consistent trading at modest prices ($5-$40 range for most conditions), with UNC examples selling for $8-$26 historically. The large print run by ABNC and the note's status as a regular issue rather than a commemorative or short-run variety contribute to its common classification. Supply appears stable in the market.

This 5 Gold Yuan note was issued by the Central Bank of China in 1945 (dated but circulated in 1948) during the final years of the Chinese Civil War and the Nationalist government's administration. The inclusion of English text and American Bank Note Company printing reflects China's international financial relationships and modernization efforts of the era. The Sun Yat-sen portrait honors the founder of the Republic of China, while the pagoda imagery symbolizes Chinese cultural continuity during a turbulent period of monetary reform and economic restructuring.

The obverse features Sun Yat-sen (孫中山), the founding father of the Republic of China, depicted as an elderly gentleman with glasses and a distinctive long beard in formal attire, positioned at the left side of the note. The center displays an ornate, decorative cartouche in red and black containing the Chinese characters for 'Five Yuan' (五圓). Red official seals flank the denomination marking, and intricate corner ornaments frame the design. The reverse showcases a detailed engraving of a traditional Chinese pagoda or Buddhist temple tower with landscape elements including hills and mountains in the background. This architectural landmark represents Chinese cultural heritage and stability. The design employs symmetrical decorative border patterns and institutional insignias characteristic of early-to-mid 20th century security printing.

FRONT SIDE: '中央銀行' (Central Bank) and '五圓' (Five Yuan) in traditional Chinese characters; Serial number 'MF362423' (repeated). BACK SIDE: 'THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA' (English header); '5' and 'FIVE YUAN' (English denomination); '1945' (issue year); 'GENERAL MANAGER' and 'GOVERNOR' (signature titles); 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) with multiple tonal shadings and fine line work throughout. The American Bank Note Company utilized advanced security printing methods including ornate engraved patterns, detailed portraiture with subtle gradations, and decorative architectural elements. The multi-color printing combines black/gray primary imagery with red-colored denominational characters and seals, requiring multiple passes or sophisticated color separation techniques typical of professional currency production.

The Pick catalog notes 3 signature varieties exist for this issue. This particular example shows the 'MF' serial number prefix. The note is dated 1945 on the back but was issued in circulation in 1948, creating a cataloging distinction between date printed and date of issue. Specific signature variety would require comparison against all three known variants, though this is typical for P-388 regular issue notes.