100 Chinese Yuan Foreign Exchange Certificate (1988)

Exchange 100 Chinese Yuan Foreign Exchange Certificates from 1988. Secure UK service for withdrawn and non-circulating Chinese banknotes.

The 100 Chinese Yuan Foreign Exchange Certificate issued in 1988 forms part of the later generation of Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs) produced by the Bank of China for use by foreign visitors and non-resident individuals during a transitional period in China’s monetary history. Although denominated in yuan and equal in face value to Renminbi, these certificates were legally separate from domestic currency and were never intended for general circulation among the local population.

Foreign Exchange Certificates were introduced to manage foreign currency flows and restrict access to Renminbi. They could only be spent at designated hotels, shops, and institutions approved for foreign use. By the late 1980s, China was beginning to modernise its financial system, and the 1988 series represents one of the final refinements before the scheme was fully withdrawn in the 1990s.

The front of the 100 Yuan certificate features an engraved depiction of the Great Wall of China winding through mountainous terrain, a powerful national symbol chosen to convey strength, continuity, and cultural heritage. The scene is rendered in fine line engraving with subtle tonal shading, framed by intricate geometric borders and a large ornamental medallion to the left. The denomination is displayed in both Chinese characters and Arabic numerals, alongside the official Bank of China title and serial number.

The reverse is printed primarily in English and clearly identifies the note as a “Bank of China Foreign Exchange Certificate.” It explains that the yuan value expressed is equivalent to Renminbi yuan, but that the certificate may only be used within China at designated locations. The reverse design is more formal and instructional, bordered by detailed guilloché patterns and displaying the denomination prominently as “ONE HUNDRED YUAN,” reinforcing its purpose for international users.

By the time this 1988 issue was withdrawn, Foreign Exchange Certificates had become obsolete due to economic reforms and the unification of China’s currency system. Today, these certificates are no longer valid for circulation and are classed as withdrawn and non-circulating banknotes.

• 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 due to their specialist status, but we regularly process legacy Chinese issues for individuals, charities, and businesses.

Rarer or higher-value notes may take longer than 5 days to process due to additional authenticity checks.