500 yuan 1945
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27 salesAbout This Note
This is a 500 Yuan banknote issued by the Central Bank of China in 1945 (Year 34 of the Republic of China), presented in uncirculated condition. The note features a formal portrait of Sun Yat-sen (SYS) in the center of the obverse, surrounded by ornate traditional Chinese decorative patterns and security elements characteristic of wartime Chinese currency. The reverse displays large denomination numerals within an elaborate cartouche, with fine-line engraving throughout—a hallmark of high-quality currency production from this period.
Common. Despite the historical significance of 1945 Chinese currency, eBay market data shows this note in various grades selling consistently in the $2–$11 range, with even UNC examples historically achieving only $38.22 (2013). Catalog values (2016) list UNC at $10, indicating broad availability. The relatively high print run of this denomination during wartime and the survival of numerous examples confirm common status.
This note was issued during the final year of World War II and represents the Central Bank of China's legal tender (法幣) during a critical period of the Chinese Republic. The 1945 date, expressed in the traditional format as Year 34 of the Republic (中華民國三十四年), reflects the numismatic and political conventions of Nationalist China under the KMT government. The formal portraiture and elaborate traditional design elements underscore the Bank's attempt to maintain monetary credibility during wartime inflation and economic instability.
The obverse presents a formal frontal portrait of Sun Yat-sen (father of the Chinese Republic) in Western business attire, rendered in fine grayscale engraving. The portrait is flanked by red decorative seals/stamps and framed by an intricate border of traditional Chinese ornamental patterns, including corner medallions with Chinese characters. Serial numbers appear in red at the top. The reverse employs a lighter tan and beige color scheme with large '500' numerals positioned symmetrically and a central cartouche containing the denomination in Chinese characters. Both sides incorporate extensive decorative borders and a fine crosshatch/mesh background pattern typical of high-security currency engraving from the era.
Front side: Central Bank (中央銀行), Five Hundred Yuan (五百圓), Legal Tender (法幣), Printed in Year 34 of the Republic of China (中華民國三十四年印製), Series 83E, Serial Number 438109. Back side: Central Bank (中央銀行), Five Hundred Yuan (五百圓), Legal Tender (法幣), 500 (numerals).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), a premium security printing method evident from the fine detailed line work throughout the design and the intricate background mesh patterns. The visual analysis confirms the presence of multiple fine-line security elements and complex border designs characteristic of intaglio production. The printer information indicates Chinese characters, consistent with domestic Chinese Bank Note Printing and Minting Corporation facilities used for Central Bank currency production during this period.
Series 83E is the specific series designation visible on this example. The serial number 438109 is noted on the obverse. This represents the standard 1945 issue; known varieties for Pick 283 include different series designations (series numbers) and varying serial number prefixes, though individual serial numbers do not create distinct numismatic varieties. The printing date confirmation as Year 34 (1945) matches catalog specifications for Pick 283.
