500 yuan 1944

Common. The eBay sales history demonstrates consistent market availability with multiple sales across various grades (PMG 55 through PMG 66, plus ungraded AUNC and VF examples) occurring regularly from 2009 through 2026, with recent examples selling for $27.80-$183.50 depending on grade. The 2016 catalog value of $20 for UNC specimens is modest, and the note shows strong price correlation with grade—this is a circulating-issue note with substantial historical print runs. No evidence of scarcity or restricted circulation exists. The moderate prices and frequency of sales indicate this is a standard, readily-available date for collectors of Chinese Republican currency.

Issued during the final year of World War II by the Chinese Nationalist government (Republic of China), this 500 Yuan note represents the Central Bank of China's currency production at a critical juncture when Japanese occupation had severely fragmented Chinese territory and economic authority. The bilingual English and Chinese inscriptions reflect the international prestige and Western security printing partnerships the Nationalist government maintained, even as hyperinflation would soon render such high-denomination notes commonplace and nearly worthless by 1945-1948. The formal portraiture and elaborate security features demonstrate the government's attempt to maintain monetary credibility during an increasingly desperate military and economic situation.

The obverse features a dignified male portrait in formal Chinese dress with a distinctive mustache, positioned on the left side of the note—this represents a high-ranking Chinese official or military leader of the Republican era, rendered in classical profile view. The design employs symmetrical ornamental scrollwork and floral botanical elements in all corners, with elaborate cross-hatched borders and decorative cartouches containing Chinese characters arranged in square seal format at center. The reverse displays bilingual text emphasizing the Central Bank's authority, with 'FIVE HUNDRED YUAN' and 'THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA' as prominent English inscriptions, accompanied by a large circular medallion space (likely intended for additional security or decorative elements) and the printer's name in small text at bottom. The consistent pink/magenta color scheme and fine line engraving throughout exemplify Western security currency production standards applied to Chinese Republican notes.

OBVERSE: 中央銀行 (Central Bank) | 位百 (Hundred Position/Denomination marker, appears twice) | 中華民國年民國年 (Republic of China Year) | A112790 (Serial number, appears twice) | 国百 (Nation Hundred/Denomination marker) | REVERSE: THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA (English header) | FIVE HUNDRED YUAN (English denomination) | 百位 (Hundred Position, appears twice in corners) | 1944 (Year of issue) | ASST GEN MANAGER (Assistant General Manager signature line) | GENERAL MANAGER (General Manager signature line) | THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED, LONDON (Printer identification)

Intaglio engraving (line engraving and recess printing), as evidenced by the fine detailed cross-hatching patterns, intricate scrollwork, and dimensional quality characteristic of De La Rue & Company's premium security printing methods. The precise registration of the bilateral English and Chinese text, combined with the elaborate decorative borders and security patterns, indicates multiple plate passes typical of high-security currency production. The watermark identified as 'SYS' was incorporated during paper manufacture, and the consistent ink density and fine line reproduction throughout the design confirm professional-grade intaglio production rather than lithography.

Serial number A112790 is observed on this specimen. For 1944 Central Bank of China 500 Yuan notes, primary varieties typically include serial number prefix variations and signature variations between the General Manager and Assistant General Manager positions. The Thomas De La Rue printing is the standard identified variety for Pick P-264. No overprints or major design variations are noted in this specimen. Collectors should distinguish this from any potential reprints or reissues, though the authentic aging characteristics (foxing, natural discoloration) visible in the images indicate this is an original period example rather than a later reproduction.