2 Chinese Yuan Banknote (1980 – 1996)

The 2 Chinese Yuan banknote issued between 1980 and 1996 forms part of the fourth series of Renminbi banknotes introduced by the People’s Bank of China. This series marked a significant step forward in design quality, durability, and anti-counterfeiting measures, reflecting China’s economic reforms and increasing engagement with international trade during the late 20th century.

Printed predominantly in green and blue tones, the obverse of the banknote features a paired portrait of two women wearing traditional ethnic dress, representing the unity and diversity of China’s many ethnic groups. The portraits are finely engraved and surrounded by complex geometric patterns, floral motifs, and multilingual text identifying the issuing authority. The denomination “2 Yuan” is clearly displayed in both Arabic numerals and Chinese characters.

The reverse of the banknote depicts a dramatic coastal scene with crashing waves against a large rock formation, symbolising strength, resilience, and the natural landscape of China. The design is framed by intricate ornamental borders and repeating patterns that were characteristic of Renminbi notes from this period. The year of issue, 1980, appears on the reverse, although notes of this design continued to circulate well into the 1990s.

While this 2 Yuan banknote remains legal tender within China, it is no longer commonly seen in everyday circulation and has effectively been replaced by newer series with enhanced security features. Outside China, banks and high-street exchange services often refuse older Renminbi designs, making specialist exchange services essential for converting these notes.

• Indicate the quantity of 2 Chinese Yuan 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If you are looking to exchange older Chinese Yuan banknotes, we provide a secure and specialist UK service for withdrawn and legacy Renminbi issues. Older designs, including notes from the 1980–1996 series, often require additional checks and are not widely accepted by banks.

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