100 Chinese Yuan Foreign Exchange Certificate (1979)

The 100 Chinese Yuan Foreign Exchange Certificate issued in 1979 represents the highest denomination within the original Foreign Exchange Certificate (FEC) series produced by the Bank of China. These certificates were introduced at a time when China operated a dual-currency system, separating domestic Renminbi usage from foreign exchange transactions. FECs were issued primarily to foreign visitors, diplomats, overseas Chinese, and certain authorised entities, rather than the general population.

Although denominated in yuan and fixed at parity with the Renminbi, Foreign Exchange Certificates were legally distinct from standard Chinese banknotes. They could only be spent at designated hotels, shops, and facilities approved for foreign use, and were not intended to circulate freely within the domestic economy. As China’s financial system modernised through the 1980s and 1990s, these certificates were gradually withdrawn and are no longer valid for circulation.

The front of the 100 Yuan Foreign Exchange Certificate features a finely detailed engraved scene of the Great Wall of China winding across mountainous terrain, a powerful national symbol chosen to convey history, strength, and continuity. The design is framed by intricate geometric borders and security patterns, with the denomination clearly shown in both Chinese characters and Arabic numerals. Official seals, serial numbering, and the issuing authority text reinforce its formal status as a Bank of China instrument.

The reverse of the certificate is printed predominantly in English and clearly states its function as a “Bank of China Foreign Exchange Certificate.” The explanatory text confirms that the yuan value expressed is equivalent to Renminbi yuan, but that the certificate may only be used within China at designated locations. The denomination “ONE HUNDRED YUAN” is prominently displayed, surrounded by ornate guilloché patterns typical of late-1970s security printing.

Today, 1979-issued Foreign Exchange Certificates are fully withdrawn and no longer accepted as legal tender. Due to their specialist nature, high denomination, and limited original circulation, many banks will not handle them. However, they are commonly presented to specialist currency exchange services for conversion and remain of interest for their historical and monetary significance.

• Indicate the quantity of 100 Chinese Yuan Foreign Exchange Certificates you want to exchange

• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button

• Your online account now shows the exchange value

We provide a secure UK-based service for exchanging withdrawn and non-circulating Chinese currency, including high-denomination Foreign Exchange Certificates. Many high-street banks no longer accept these notes, but we regularly handle legacy Chinese issues for individuals, charities, and businesses.

Rarer or high-value certificates may take longer than 5 days to process due to additional authenticity and verification checks.