50 custom gold units 1930

Common. While this is a 1930 issue from a specific period in Chinese history, the eBay price history demonstrates consistent availability and modest valuations. Sales data shows most examples in various grades (VF to EF) consistently trading between $2-$12, with even UNC examples selling in the $8-$37 range historically, and only exceptional PMG 66 examples commanding $55-$124. The catalogue value for UNC grade is listed at only $6 (2016 data). This pricing pattern indicates substantial quantities remain in collectors' markets, confirming common status despite its historical interest.

This note was issued during the Republican period of China (Year 18 of the Republic of China, corresponding to 1930), when the Central Bank maintained control over currency in Shanghai. The inclusion of both Chinese and English text, along with the American Bank Note Company imprint, reflects China's engagement with Western financial institutions during this modernization period. The portrait of Sun Yat-sen and the prominence of the Central Bank building symbolized the nationalist government's attempt to establish monetary authority and economic stability during the transitional Republican era.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Sun Yat-sen (founder of the Republic of China) in the center oval frame, rendered with fine line engraving showing distinctive facial features including a thin mustache and high-collared formal garment. The design is dominated by an intricate purple and multicolor guilloche border with repeating floral and geometric motifs, scalloped rosette designs, and ornamental corner elements. The reverse depicts the Central Bank of China building in Shanghai—a multi-story Classical structure with a prominent clock tower/cupola, symmetrical facade with columns and multiple windows, flanked by scrollwork ornaments. Large denomination markers (50) appear in multiple locations for verification purposes. Two red rectangular seals/stamps accent the front side, consistent with official Chinese banking practice of the period.

FRONT SIDE: 中央銀行 (Central Bank) / 上海 (Shanghai) / 憑票即付 (Payable on demand) / 國民黨金伍拾圓 (National Party Fifty Gold Yuan) / 中華民國十八年 (Year 18 of the Republic of China) / DF615019 (Serial number, appears twice). BACK SIDE: THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA / PROMISES TO PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND AT ITS OFFICE HERE / FIFTY CUSTOMS GOLD UNITS / 50 (denomination, multiple locations) / SHANGHAI, 1930 / AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY / GENERAL MANAGER / ASST. GENERAL MANAGER

Intaglio engraving (line engraving and steel plate engraving) executed by the American Bank Note Company. The security features include fine line engraving throughout the borders, complex geometric pattern work, detailed portraiture of Sun Yat-sen, and intricate architectural engraving of the Central Bank building. The multicolor printing was achieved through multiple plate passes typical of ABNC's production methods during this era. The elaborate guilloche patterns and security elements demonstrate the high-security printing standards employed for official government currency.

Serial number DF615019 is visible on this example. Known varieties for P-329 include different signature combinations for General Manager and Assistant General Manager positions, though specific signatures are not clearly legible in the provided images. The vertical format and 1930 Shanghai imprint are consistent with the standard P-329 issue. No evidence of overprints, watermarks, or error notes is apparent. Collectors should note serial number prefixes and signature varieties when cataloguing individual examples, as these may correlate with printing batches or administrative periods.