500 yuan 1943
About This Note
This is a striking 500 Yuan note from the Central Reserve Bank of China, issued in 1943 (Year 32 of the Republic), presented in AU (About Uncirculated) condition. The obverse features an elegantly engraved portrait of a dignified gentleman in formal dress within an elaborate oval cartouche, flanked by red official seals and ornate traditional Chinese scrollwork, while the reverse displays a magnificent architectural vignette of a traditional Chinese fortress gate with grand symmetrical staircases and mountain landscape. The note exhibits sharp printing detail, clean margins, and the characteristic brown and red color palette typical of this wartime Chinese currency issue, making it an excellent example of Central Reserve Bank engraving craftsmanship.
common - While the 500 Yuan denomination from the 1943 Central Reserve Bank issue carries historical significance as a wartime Japanese occupation-era note, the Pick J24a variety appears in standard catalogs without rarity notations and examples circulate in the collector market at moderate valuations consistent with common notes. The issue benefited from substantial print runs needed to support wartime currency circulation, and surviving examples in AU condition, though desirable, are not exceptionally scarce. No evidence suggests limited production runs or recall status that would elevate this beyond common classification.
The Central Reserve Bank of China issued this 500 Yuan note during 1943, a critical period of World War II when China was simultaneously fighting both Japanese invasion and internal political fragmentation. The depiction of the traditional fortress gate and staircases on the reverse symbolized national strength and continuity despite wartime hardship, while the formal gubernatorial signatures of H.H. Kung and T.K. Chen represented the financial authority attempting to maintain currency stability during economic crisis. This denomination and design reflect the bank's efforts to project confidence in Chinese institutions and sovereignty during one of the nation's most turbulent modern periods.
The obverse depicts an unidentified gentleman in formal Western-style dress, shown in three-quarter profile view with dark hair and mustache, positioned within an ornate baroque-style oval portrait frame with elaborate scrollwork cartouches flanking both sides. Red official seals (chops) are positioned symmetrically below the portrait, representing governmental authority. The reverse showcases a classical Chinese architectural scene featuring what appears to be a fortress or palatial gate structure with symmetrical design, accessed by two grand ceremonial staircases ascending from foreground landscapes. The background includes mountainous terrain and vegetation. Large ornamental frames containing the denomination numerals '500' anchor both sides of the reverse design. The overall composition demonstrates high-quality engraving with fine line work throughout both sides.
FRONT SIDE: '中央銀行儲備' (Central Reserve Bank) | '五百圓' (Five Hundred Yuan) | '中華民國銀行儲備' (Republic of China Reserve Bank) | '民國三十二年' (Year 32 of the Republic, corresponding to 1943) | 'AX1' (Serial number indicator). BACK SIDE: 'THE CENTRAL RESERVE BANK OF CHINA' (English text at top) | '500' and 'FIVE HUNDRED YUAN' (Denomination in English and numerals) | '1943' (Issue year) | 'H.H. KUNG' (Governor's signature) | 'T.K. CHEN' (Vice Governor's signature) | 'GOVERNOR' and 'VICE GOVERNOR' (Official titles).
Intaglio engraving (steel plate engraving) with multiple color printing passes in brown, red, and tan/cream tones. The fine linear detail visible in the portrait rendering, landscape vignette, and decorative border elements are characteristic of security-grade intaglio work. This note was produced by the Central Reserve Bank's printing facilities or contracted security printer, employing the standard multi-plate color engraving technique common to Chinese banknotes of the 1940s era.
This example is identified as Pick J24a, representing the standard 1943 issue. The serial number prefix 'AX1' visible in the corners is a cataloging variant designation. Key identifying features for variety differentiation on this issue include: signature combinations (this note bears H.H. Kung as Governor and T.K. Chen as Vice Governor), serial number prefixes, and any overprints or security features. The AU grade indicates this is likely from a higher-quality production batch or careful preservation. Collectors should note that Chinese notes from this period sometimes exhibit subtle date variations written in different calendar systems and printing quality variations based on production location.
