5000 custom gold units 1947

Common. While this is a specialized denomination (Customs Gold Units rather than standard Yuan), the eBay sales data shows consistent trading at modest prices ($2-10 in most conditions, with a single UNC specimen reaching $80 in 2014). The availability of multiple sales records over several years and the lack of any notation in catalog sources regarding restricted print runs or rarity suggest this is a regularly encountered note among collectors of Chinese currency. The AU grade specimen here represents typical collector market material.

Issued in 1947 during the final years of the Republic of China before the Communist takeover, this note reflects the Central Bank's attempt to stabilize currency through commodity-backed 'Customs Gold Units' rather than traditional Yuan. The prominence of the Central Bank building on the reverse symbolized institutional authority and financial stability during a period of severe hyperinflation and economic turmoil in China. The bilingual English and Chinese inscriptions demonstrate the note's international commercial significance during this transition period.

The obverse features a portrait of a high-ranking Chinese military official (likely from the Nationalist government) rendered in black and white fine-line engraving within a formal oval frame, flanked by red square seals bearing Chinese characters. The design incorporates traditional Chinese aesthetic elements with Greek key geometric patterns and floral motifs in all four corners, centered around an ornamental shield device below the portrait. The reverse depicts the Central Bank of China's headquarters—a neoclassical multi-story building with a prominent clock tower, detailed fenestration, and classical architectural moldings—all rendered with meticulous engraving within an ornate decorative frame. Denomination numerals appear prominently in the corners.

FRONT: 中央銀行 (Central Bank), 伍仟 (Five Thousand), 關金五千圓 (Five Thousand Customs Gold Units), 中華民國 (Republic of China), EX387905 (Serial Number). BACK: THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA, 5000, FIVE THOUSAND CUSTOMS GOLD UNITS, GENERAL MANAGER, ASST. GENERAL MANAGER, plus signatures of Hua Hing (General Manager) and Assistant General Manager.

Intaglio line engraving (copperplate engraving), evidenced by the fine, sharp line work visible throughout both sides, particularly in the architectural details of the Central Bank building, the geometric border patterns, and the facial features of the portrait. The printer information referenced in catalog data as 'Chinese 5 characters' suggests production by a Chinese government security printer, likely the China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation or similar state facility.

This specimen exhibits serial number EX387905 in red ink, suggesting a standard variety of the regular 1947 issue. The signature of Hua Hing (華興) is visible on the reverse as General Manager. Known varieties for Pick P-352 may include different serial number prefixes and signatures of different bank officials across the print run, though specific variety cataloging for this denomination is limited in standard references. The noted 'large or small serial number' variant mentioned in catalog data may apply to this issue.