50 yuan 1944

Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales ranging from $4.55 (Fine condition, 2016) to $433.88 (PMG 67, 2022), with UNC examples selling for $72.11 (2015). The 2016 catalog value of $15 UNC aligns with the note being a relatively common regular-issue denomination. The consistent availability of examples across multiple grades and the broad range of sold prices (indicating regular supply) confirm this is a standard issue without notable scarcity. While the 1944 date and wartime context may appeal to collectors of Chinese or WWII-era currency, the note was produced in sufficient quantities to make it readily available on the market.

This note was issued during the final year of the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) by the Central Bank of the Republic of China, reflecting the complex political and military situation during the Japanese occupation of coastal China. The bilingual English-Chinese design and London printing credit indicate international cooperation in currency production, while the denomination in yuan and reference to 'Republic of China Year 33' (corresponding to 1944 in the ROC calendar) demonstrate the nationalist government's continued assertion of sovereignty. The ornate security features and high production quality suggest significant resources were devoted to maintaining confidence in the currency during a period of substantial inflation and economic disruption.

The obverse features a formal portrait of a Chinese statesman or official in Western-style formal attire with a high collar, positioned in the left-center area—likely depicting a key figure in the nationalist government, though the specific individual is not identified by text on the note itself. The center is dominated by an ornate rectangular frame containing Chinese characters in a red seal stamp, flanked by elaborate scrollwork, floral motifs, and geometric patterns that extend to all four corners. Serial numbers appear in red at the top, with denomination characters (拾伍) repeated in the four corners. The reverse presents a more austere design with 'THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA' and 'FIFTY YUAN' in large English text within a centered ornamental frame, featuring two circular blank medallion areas on either side (originally intended for vignettes or symbolic imagery that may not have been filled), signature lines at the bottom, and the printer's imprint. The overall color scheme is dominated by deep purple on a multicolor underprint with black text and red accents.

FRONT SIDE: 中央銀行 (Central Bank) | 圓拾五 (Fifty Yuan) | A 633101 (Serial number) | 中華民國三十三年 (Republic of China Year 33/1944) | 拾伍 (Fifty). BACK SIDE: THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA (English inscription) | FIFTY YUAN (English denomination) | 1944 (Year of issue) | ASST GEN. MANAGER and GENERAL MANAGER (Signature authority lines) | THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED, LONDON. (Printer identification) | 拾伍 (Fifty, in Chinese characters in corners).

Intaglio (steel/copper plate engraving) executed by Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited of London, as identified on the reverse. The fine line work, extensive crosshatching, intricate scrollwork borders, and security patterns visible throughout the note are characteristic of high-security intaglio production. The multicolor underprinting technique (visible as the lighter background colors beneath the deep purple overprint) represents advanced security printing of the period, combining multiple passes to create a complex design resistant to counterfeiting.

The specific variety is identified by the serial number prefix 'A' and the date designation 'Republic of China Year 33' (1944). This note represents the standard regular issue of the 50 yuan denomination for this year. Serial number variations (different prefixes and number ranges) may exist, but no major overprints, commemorative variations, or significant design variants are noted for this Pick number. The example shown bears serial number A 633101, representing a mid-range serial in the 'A' prefix series.