1 Fen Banknote China (1953)

Chinese banknotes have undergone significant changes since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, and the 1 Fen banknote issued in 1953 represents one of the earliest denominations of the modern Chinese Renminbi (RMB). Issued by the People’s Bank of China, this note forms part of the first series introduced to stabilise and standardise China’s post-revolution currency system.

The 1 Fen denomination was intended for everyday small transactions and reflects the economic conditions of early 1950s China, where low-value notes played an essential role in daily commerce. Although modest in face value, these early Fen banknotes are now regarded as historically significant and are no longer used in circulation.

The banknote is printed primarily in brown and tan tones on lightweight paper, with relatively simple security features compared to later Chinese currency issues. At the time of issue, advanced anti-counterfeiting measures were limited, making design clarity and detailed engraving the primary safeguards.

The obverse of the note features the national emblem of the People’s Republic of China, surrounded by ornate decorative patterns and multilingual text. This reflected China’s early efforts to present the Renminbi as a unified national currency while acknowledging its diverse linguistic regions.

The reverse of the 1953 1 Fen banknote depicts a truck scene, symbolising industrial development, transportation, and economic rebuilding during the early years of the People’s Republic. This imagery aligns with the broader themes seen across early Chinese banknotes, which frequently emphasised labour, production, and national progress.

Today, 1 Fen banknotes from 1953 are withdrawn from circulation and are no longer accepted in everyday transactions in China. They are typically treated as historic or legacy currency and are often overlooked by banks outside China, despite retaining recognised value for exchange and collection.

• Indicate the quantity of 1 Fen Chinese banknotes you want to exchange

• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button

• Your online account now shows the exchange value

If you are looking to exchange old or withdrawn Chinese banknotes, we provide a secure UK-based service specialising in historic and legacy Renminbi. Many banks no longer accept early Chinese currency, particularly low-denomination or pre-reform issues, but we regularly handle these notes for individuals, charities, and organisations.

For higher-value or bulk submissions, valid identification may be required to comply with Anti-Money Laundering Regulations (AMLR).