500 yuan 1949

Common. The eBay sales data provided shows consistent trading at modest valuations ($89-$236 for circulated grades), with 2016 catalog values listing VG at only $15. The existence of multiple VG, VF, and higher-grade examples in recent sales indicates substantial surviving population. Early PRC notes of this denomination, while historically significant, were printed in substantial quantities for circulation. The prevalence of examples in the current numismatic market supports common classification.

Issued in 1949 during the founding year of the People's Republic of China, this denomination reflects the post-civil war economic landscape and the new government's propagandistic focus on agricultural mechanization and rural development. The tractor imagery directly symbolized the CCP's promised modernization and transformation of agrarian China into an industrial state. This issue represents the first regular currency series of the newly established People's Bank of China, marking a significant break from Nationalist currency and establishing the monetary sovereignty of the PRC.

This banknote exemplifies early PRC propaganda design with its prominent tractor plowing a field vignette positioned at left-center of the obverse, symbolizing the regime's commitment to agricultural modernization and rural transformation. The reverse features an elaborate cartouche-centered design emphasizing the denomination through large numerals in decorative leaf-shaped frames. The ornate border work with symmetrical floral and geometric patterns reflects traditional Chinese aesthetic principles applied to modern currency security design. The color scheme of cream/beige background with blue-green and red printing was standard for early PRC notes, chosen for both artistic effect and differentiation from previous Nationalist currency.

Front side: 中國人民銀行 (People's Bank of China), 五百圓 (Five Hundred Yuan), serial number 11990534, issue designation (III II). Back side: 中國人民銀行 (People's Bank of China), 五百圓 (Five Hundred Yuan), denomination 500 in Arabic numerals, year 1949. Note: The front inscription reference to '壹仟九百四十一' (1941) likely represents an engraving date or design date predating the 1949 official issue.

Intaglio engraving (line-engraved/copperplate printing), evident from the fine detailed line work in the border patterns, vignette details, and cartouche work visible in the visual analysis. This security-intensive technique was standard for early PRC currency production. The note was likely produced by the Chinese Government Mint or affiliated security printer, consistent with Pick P-846 catalog designation and early PRC manufacturing practices.

This example corresponds to the S/M number C282-54 reference designation noted in the RealBankNotes catalog. The serial number 11990534 and issue designation (III II) visible on this specimen suggest it belongs to a later printing of the 1949 issue. The Roman numeral designation indicates this is from the second or third printing variant. No major overprints or significant varieties are apparent from the visual analysis, though early PRC 500 Yuan notes exist in multiple printings with varying serial number formats and minor design refinements across their production run.