5000 yuan 1947

Common. The catalog value data from 2016 lists this note at $25 UNC, and recent eBay sales show consistent pricing in the $25–36 range for UNC and AUNC examples, with lower grades selling for $2–6. These moderate, stable prices across multiple sales over several years indicate a reasonably available note in the collector market. The 1947 5000 Yuan note appears to have been produced in sufficient quantity for the Central Bank of China's needs during that hyperinflationary period, and enough examples have survived to establish a liquid secondary market. No evidence of rarity factors (small print run, recall, or short issuance period) applies to this particular Pick number.

This 5000 Yuan note was issued during the final years of the Republic of China (dated Year 13 of the ROC era, corresponding to 1924 on the lunar calendar, though issued in 1947), a period marked by hyperinflation and currency instability as the Chinese Civil War intensified. The bilingual design—featuring both Traditional Chinese characters and English text—reflects the Central Bank's international standing and the continued influence of Western security printing practices in Republican-era currency production. The engagement of Thomas De La Rue & Company, the world's leading banknote security printer, underscores the significance the Republic placed on producing high-quality currency despite the tumultuous political circumstances of the era.

The obverse features a three-quarter profile portrait facing right of a distinguished male figure wearing formal traditional Chinese clothing with a prominent mustache, positioned on the left side of the note. The center displays the denomination in an ornate decorative frame with the Chinese characters '五千圓' (Five Thousand Yuan). The note is bordered by intricate ornamental scrollwork and corner ornaments in all four corners, employing fine line engraving and guilloche patterns typical of high-security banknote production. Red seals or stamps appear in the center-lower portion. The reverse displays large denomination numerals '5000' in both upper corners with the English text 'THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA' and 'FIVE THOUSAND YUAN' prominently centered, flanked by circular medallion spaces on either side and decorative floral ornaments. The entire design utilizes a purple/violet base color with cream/beige background, creating distinctive visual contrast.

Front side: '中央銀行' (Central Bank), '五千圓' (Five Thousand Yuan), '中華民國十三年' (Year 13 of the Republic of China), serial number '21R853569' (appears twice in red). Back side: '5000' (denomination, appears in top corners), 'THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA', 'FIVE THOUSAND YUAN', '1947' (year of issue), 'GENERAL MANAGER', 'ASST. GEN. MANAGER', 'THOS. DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED, LONDON' (printer attribution).

This note was produced using intaglio engraving (also called copperplate printing), the hallmark security printing method employed by Thomas De La Rue & Company. The visual analysis confirms the presence of fine line engraving throughout, complex guilloche patterns in background areas, and the characteristic crisp, raised impression quality associated with intaglio work. The precision of the ornamental borders, the fineness of the line work in decorative elements, and the depth of impression visible in the imagery all confirm Thomas De La Rue's signature intaglio security printing technique, which was the standard for the world's most secure banknotes during this period.

The serial number visible on this example is '21R853569' in red ink. The prefix '21R' suggests a specific printing batch or series designation. Varieties of the 1947 5000 Yuan are typically distinguished by serial number prefixes and variations in signature placement or banker titles (noted as 'GENERAL MANAGER' and 'ASST. GEN. MANAGER' on the reverse). The handwritten annotation visible in the upper right corner of the obverse in the visual analysis appears to be a later collector or dealer mark rather than an original variety feature. Further cataloging of serial number ranges and signature variations would be needed to definitively classify this note within the range of known varieties for Pick-310.