5 silver dollar 1949
Market Prices
6 salesAbout This Note
This is a 5 Silver Dollar note issued by the Central Bank of China in 1949, presented in uncirculated condition with exceptional eye appeal. The note features striking purple-brown and cream coloring with ornate traditional Asian design elements, a formal portrait on the obverse, and a beautifully rendered Chinese junk sailing vessel on the reverse. This final year of ROC currency issue represents an important transitional piece as mainland China underwent dramatic political change.
Common. While this is a final-year issue from a government in its final year of mainland control, eBay market data shows UNC examples selling for $36-$46 in the 2014-2015 period, with more recent PMG 64 grades consistently achieving $22-24. The 2016 catalog value of $20 for UNC aligns with these transactions, indicating steady but modest collector demand. The print run was sufficiently large to ensure regular availability in the market. No scarcity factors are evident from circulation records or cataloging notes.
Issued in 1949 from Chungking (Chongqing), this banknote represents the final days of the Republic of China's mainland currency circulation before the Communist takeover. The imagery—including the traditional junk sailing vessel and formal portraiture—reflects the nationalist government's connection to Chinese cultural heritage. The bilingual English-Chinese inscriptions and silver dollar denomination demonstrate the Central Bank's attempt to maintain international credibility and monetary stability during this tumultuous period.
The obverse features a formal portrait of a mustached gentleman in profile facing left, positioned within an ornate oval frame at the right side of the note. The composition is anchored by an elaborate central cartouche with floral and geometric patterns, surrounded by intricate decorative borders with curved cloud-shaped corner elements and scalloped frames typical of high-security banknote design. The reverse displays a classical image of a traditional Chinese junk with multiple sails rendered within an ornate oval medallion, complemented by matching decorative scrollwork borders. The bilingual presentation (Chinese characters and English text) emphasizes the dual identity of the note as both a domestic and internationally recognized instrument of value. The overall design palette of purple-brown on cream background creates strong visual contrast and authenticating complexity.
Front side: '中央銀行' (Central Bank), '五圓' (Five Yuan), '中華民國' (Republic of China), '壹佰陸拾貳號紙幣' (Banknote number 162), '1-F' (Series designation), and serial number '245340'. Back side: 'THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA', 'PROMISES TO PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND', 'FIVE SILVER DOLLARS', 'CHUNGKING', '1949', and 'CHUNG HWA BOOK CO.LTD.' (printer).
Intaglio engraving (recess printing), as evidenced by the fine line work, intricate background pattern density, and ornate security design elements visible throughout. The note was produced by Chung Hwa Book Company Limited in Chungking, utilizing traditional engraved plates characteristic of high-security banknote production of the era. The precision of the decorative elements and portrait rendering confirms professional security printing standards.
Series designation '1-F' is noted on the obverse. Serial number observed: 245340. No major varieties have been cataloged for Pick 443 in standard references, though serial number prefixes and plate variations may exist across the emission. The note represents a standard regular issue of 1949 with no known overprints or emergency modifications typical of the period's monetary chaos.
