5000 custom gold units 1947

Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales activity from 2010 through 2023, with recent VF specimens selling for $3-$7 and UNC examples historically priced around $18-$20. The 2016 catalog value of $18 UNC and repeated sales transactions across multiple condition grades demonstrate adequate collector availability. No evidence of restricted print runs or recall status exists.

Issued during the final years of the Republic of China's currency circulation before the 1948-1949 transition to new currency standards, this note reflects the Central Bank's continued operations during a period of significant economic and political upheaval. The classical bank building depicted on the reverse symbolizes institutional stability and Western-influenced modernization that the Chinese government sought to project, while the portrait of the central figure represents the authority of the Republican administration. The denomination in 'Customs Gold Units' reflects the era's attempt to standardize currency value against gold reserves and international trade standards.

The obverse features a frontal portrait of a distinguished official in an ornate oval cartouche at center, identified as a high-ranking figure of the Republic of China era, rendered in reddish tones with fine engraving detail. The portrait is framed by elaborate scrollwork and floral patterns in all four corners, with red official seals or stamps positioned on either side of the central oval. The reverse showcases a meticulously engraved neoclassical bank building with a prominent central cupola topped by a clock tower, a columned facade, and multiple stories of windows—clearly intended to represent the Central Bank of China's headquarters. The architectural representation emphasizes institutional grandeur with ornamental cartouches and decorative borders framing the structure. Both sides employ the same dominant red and cream color palette with fine line work throughout.

FRONT: 中央銀行 (Central Bank), 五千圓 (Five Thousand Yuan), 中華民國 (Republic of China), Serial Number: NG272509. BACK: THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA, FIVE THOUSAND CUSTOMS GOLD UNITS, 5000 (denomination, repeated in multiple corners), Signatures identified as 'Hsing hsiang' (General Manager) and 'Assistant General Manager'.

Intaglio engraving (recess printing), characteristic of high-security banknote production of the era. The fine line work, intricate decorative borders, and sharp detail visible in both the portrait rendering and architectural elements indicate steel plate engraving. The printer is noted in catalog references as using Chinese characters (5 characters) for identification, consistent with Central Bank of China currency production facilities of 1947.

Serial number NG272509 observed on this specimen. This note represents the standard design for the 1947 issue with dual signature varieties (General Manager and Assistant General Manager positions). No overprints or special markings are evident on this example. Varieties for Pick P-351 are typically distinguished by signature combinations and serial number prefixes rather than design modifications.