1936 Central Bank of China 5 Yuan (Sun Yat-sen / Waterlow & Sons) – Pick #217a – PMG 64 EPQ Choice Uncirculated
Issued during the Republican Era under the Nationalist Government (Kuomintang), this 1936 5 Yuan note is a classic piece of pre-WWII Chinese monetary history. Printed in London by the renowned security printer Waterlow & Sons, this issue carries the iconic portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China (Zhonghua Minguo).
Cataloged as Pick #217a, this note belongs to the key monetary reform period when China shifted away from the silver standard to the unified Fabi (fiat legal tender) system. Certified by PMG as Choice Uncirculated 64 EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality), it earns the coveted EPQ designation—a rare feat for pre-war Chinese paper money, confirming 100% original paper body, unpressed surfaces, and zero chemical restoration or handling wear.
Key Features & Specifications
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Issuing Country: China (Republic of China)
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Issuing Authority: Central Bank of China (Zhonghua Minguo Zhongyang Yinhang)
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Denomination: 5 Yuan (5 Dollars)
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Date of Issue: 1936 (Republic Year 25)
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Printer: Waterlow & Sons Ltd., London (Engraved in lower margin)
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Catalog Identification: Pick #217a (P-217a)
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Historical Era: Pre-WWII Republican Era / Early Fabi Legal Tender Issue
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Grading Service: PMG (Paper Money Guaranty)
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Grade: Choice Uncirculated 64 EPQ
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Obverse Design: Bust portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen at left, centered denomination framing, and intricate security guilloché borders.
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Reverse Design: Detailed view of the Central Bank of China building architecture with English typography and signature blocks.
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Cert Highlights: Original paper freshness (EPQ), crisp 1930s intaglio printing detail, strong color retention, and clean margins.
