1 Chinese Yuan Banknote (1953)

The Chinese 1 Yuan banknote issued in 1953 forms part of the Second Series of the Renminbi, introduced by the People’s Bank of China during the early years of the People’s Republic of China. This series was designed to stabilise the national currency system following the founding of the PRC in 1949 and represents an important transitional period in modern Chinese monetary history.

The 1953 1 Yuan note is printed predominantly in red and orange tones and reflects the engraving style and security standards of mid-twentieth-century Chinese banknote production. It predates the later Mao portrait series and is now considered a withdrawn and historic banknote, no longer accepted for circulation within China.

On the obverse of the banknote, the design features formal Chinese inscriptions identifying the People’s Bank of China and the denomination “1 Yuan,” presented in both Chinese characters and numerals. Decorative scrollwork and ornamental framing surround the central elements, giving the note a symmetrical and ceremonial appearance typical of early Renminbi issues.

The reverse of the note depicts Tiananmen Gate in Beijing, a powerful national symbol closely associated with the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The image is finely engraved and framed by intricate borders, with the denomination repeated in Chinese characters. This design emphasised state authority, national unity, and the new political era emerging in China during the 1950s.

Although this banknote was once legal tender, it has been fully withdrawn from circulation and is no longer accepted by banks in China. Today, 1953 Renminbi notes are primarily encountered as legacy currency and are often held by collectors or discovered among older overseas holdings.

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If you are looking to exchange withdrawn Chinese Yuan banknotes, we provide a specialist UK service for historic and discontinued Renminbi. Many banks no longer accept older Chinese notes, particularly early series issues, but we regularly handle withdrawn Chinese currency for individuals, charities, and organisations.

For higher-value or older banknotes, additional verification may be required as part of our authentication process. This helps ensure security and compliance while providing reassurance that your historic currency is being handled correctly and professionally.