5000 yuan 1949

Common. While cataloged at $225 VF per 2016 values and showing significant age, the eBay market history demonstrates this note circulates with reasonable frequency at modest prices ($132-$750 range for F-EF conditions in recent sales). The large print runs of 1949 First Series notes, combined with surviving examples in various conditions, indicate this is a commonly available early PRC issue rather than a scarce variety.

Issued in 1949, this note marks the inaugural year of the People's Republic of China and reflects the regime's emphasis on modernization and development. The obverse design contrasts rural agricultural labor (tractors and fields on the left) with industrial urban development (factories and buildings on the right), visually representing the government's vision for transforming China through both agricultural mechanization and industrial growth during the early Communist consolidation period.

This note exemplifies the early aesthetic of PRC currency, eschewing portraiture in favor of symbolic imagery representing state priorities. The obverse features two distinct vignettes: on the left, an agricultural scene depicting mechanized farming with tractors and workers in fields, symbolizing rural modernization; on the right, an industrial complex with multi-story factory buildings, representing urban industrial development. A large ornamental cartouche with star-burst design dominates the center between these scenes. The back presents an elaborate symmetrical ornamental design featuring floral and geometric scrollwork in a classical frame, with the denomination prominently displayed. Two red seal stamps appear on the obverse. The entire design employs intricate line engraving with fine detail work throughout decorative borders and corner flourishes.

Front: 中國人民銀行 (People's Bank of China), 伍千圓 (Five Thousand Yuan), Serial number 05794692, Series indicator (I/II/III). Back: 中國人民銀行 (People's Bank of China), 伍千圓 (Five Thousand Yuan), Arabic numerals 5000, Issue year 1949.

Intaglio engraving (recess printing), characteristic of high-security banknote production. The fine line work, ornamental complexity, and detailed scrollwork visible throughout both sides are consistent with traditional steel plate engraving used by Chinese state security printers for First Series currency. This production method provided anti-counterfeiting security through the difficulty of reproducing fine engraved details.

Pick catalog C282-64 designation indicates this is part of the standard First Series issue. Serial number 05794692 with Roman numeral series indicator (I/II/III) visible on obverse. No overprints or special markings observed that would indicate a distinct sub-variety. This represents the regular production issue for this denomination in 1949.