1949 China Peoples Republic 5000 Yuan PMG 55 Front & Back Specimen Pair P-851s

1949 China Peoples Republic 5000 Yuan PMG 55 Front & Back Specimen Pair P-851s

Description

This impressive 1949 China People’s Republic 5000 Yuan Specimen pair is a rare and historically important artifact from the closing chapter of China’s hyperinflation era and the birth of the People’s Bank of China. Cataloged as Pick #851s1 (Front Specimen) and Pick #851s2 (Back Specimen), this offering includes both official specimen sides, produced exclusively for reference and archival purposes rather than public circulation.

The front specimen showcases a powerful agricultural scene featuring mechanized farming equipment in active use, symbolizing productivity, modernization, and the socialist vision of rural reform promoted by the newly established government. Red specimen markings, zeroed serial numbers, and crisp engraving distinguish it clearly from circulating issues. The note is printed on paper with the Triangles watermark, a security feature that further defines this scarce subtype.

The back specimen presents an ornate and symmetrical design dominated by large “5000” numerals and intricate guilloché patterns, reflecting the advanced intaglio printing techniques of the era. The balanced layout and bold denomination emphasize the extreme monetary conditions that characterized late-1940s China, when high-value notes were required for everyday transactions.

Both specimens are professionally authenticated and encapsulated by Paper Money Guaranty (PMG), each graded PMG 55 About Uncirculated. The pair originates from the highly respected Peh Family Collection, a provenance known for exceptional quality and rarity in certified Chinese banknotes.

Collector’s Value

Specimen notes from early People’s Republic issues are seldom available, and complete front-and-back pairs are especially difficult to obtain. This 1949 5000 Yuan specimen set combines historical importance, watermark variety, and institutional provenance, making it a compelling acquisition for advanced collectors of Chinese currency, hyperinflation notes, and official monetary specimens.