5 yuan 1941

Common. Market data shows consistent availability with eBay sales ranging from $1.25 to $158.30 depending on condition and grading service certification. The UNC catalog value of $6 (2016) and comparable recent sales of UNC examples at $5.74-$12.50 indicate this is a widely available issue. Print runs for Central Bank of China 1941 denominations were substantial, and many examples survive in various conditions, making this a common banknote in the collector market.

This 1941 issue was produced during the Second Sino-Japanese War, a critical period in Chinese history when the Central Bank of China maintained currency production despite conflict. The architectural landscape depicted on the reverse—featuring a fortified hillside structure with pagoda—likely represents a significant Chinese landmark symbolizing national resilience. The bilingual English/Chinese inscriptions and London printing credit reflect China's international economic relationships and reliance on British security printing expertise during this turbulent era.

The obverse features a dignified portrait of a man in formal Western dress with traditional Chinese collar detail, positioned on the left side, flanked by ornate decorative borders incorporating fish/carp motifs in the corners and geometric Greek key patterns. Red official seals with Chinese characters are positioned in the lower portion. The reverse displays an elaborate architectural landscape in the central vignette depicting a fortified compound with multiple buildings and a tower structure set on a hillside with a waterway, typical of traditional Chinese defensive architecture. An ornate numeral '5' within a decorative circular frame appears on the right side. Both sides feature fine line engraving and intricate cross-hatching characteristic of high-security banknote production.

FRONT SIDE: 中央銀行 (Central Bank) | 五圓 (Five Yuan) | 中華民國 (Republic of China) | Serial number: E1531137 | REVERSE SIDE: THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA | FIVE YUAN | NATIONAL CURRENCY | 1941 | THOMAS DE LA RUE & CO. LIMITED | LONDON | ASST. GENERAL MANAGER | GENERAL MANAGER

Intaglio engraving (line engraving and recess printing), executed by Thomas De La Rue & Co. Limited of London, one of the world's premier security printers. The fine detailed line work, security cross-hatching patterns, and the precision of the portraits and vignettes are consistent with high-quality intaglio security printing standards of the 1940s era.

Serial number E1531137 is visible on this example. The note appears to be a standard issue without overprints or major varieties. The handwritten annotations and pencil marks on the obverse are post-production markings from handling rather than printing varieties. No significant varieties are documented for this Pick P-235 issue; standard signature combinations by bank officials (noted as 'ASST. GENERAL MANAGER' and 'GENERAL MANAGER') may exist but are not definitively distinguished in catalog literature.