Today’s note is an interesting note issued from China in 1914. It is a 5 Yuan issued from the Communications Bank with a steam powered passenger train on the front and red Chinese Seals at right and left. The back has the Post Office at center with English hand signed signatures with SHANGHI over stamp. This 'Nearly' UNC 96 year old note is not very valuable ($2.50 USD) because of the numbers printed but it is a fine example of much of banknote designed in this era and would you believe it was printed right here in the USA by the American Banknote company in New York?

China has issued currency from many banks and issuing authorities, so much so that the Chinese section of reference books comprises almost 25% of the books information because of the huge number of notes and variations. The United States got into this same problem prior to the Federal Reserve Bank when local banks and corporations could and did issue currency. China has finally reduced the issuing authorities so their currency would be more uniform and recognizable and more difficult to counterfeit. ENJOY