50 Chinese Yuan Foreign Exchange Certificate (1979)

The 50 Chinese Yuan Foreign Exchange Certificate issued in 1979 formed part of a special parallel currency system introduced by the Bank of China during a period when China maintained strict controls over domestic and foreign currency usage. These certificates were not standard Renminbi notes and were intended exclusively for use by foreign visitors, diplomats, and overseas Chinese within designated locations in the People’s Republic of China.

Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs) were denominated in yuan and officially equivalent in face value to Renminbi, but they were legally distinct and could only be spent in approved hotels, Friendship Stores, and other authorised outlets. Chinese citizens were generally prohibited from using them, making these notes a unique feature of China’s late-20th-century monetary system.

The front of the 50 Yuan Foreign Exchange Certificate features an intricately engraved scenic riverside landscape, showing traditional Chinese architecture reflected in calm water, framed by decorative borders and geometric security patterns typical of late-1970s Chinese banknote design. The denomination “50” is displayed prominently, alongside Chinese characters for “Foreign Exchange Certificate,” an official red seal, and a serial number issued by the Bank of China.

The reverse is printed primarily in English and clearly identifies the note as a “Bank of China Foreign Exchange Certificate.” It states that the yuan expressed is equivalent in value to Renminbi yuan, while explaining that the certificate may only be used within China at designated places. The reverse design incorporates fine guilloché patterns, ornate borders, and the denomination “Fifty Yuan” displayed clearly for international users.

As China gradually reformed and modernised its financial system, Foreign Exchange Certificates were phased out during the 1990s, and all FECs are now withdrawn and no longer valid for circulation. Today, 1979-series certificates such as this 50 Yuan note are considered legacy currency and are frequently presented to specialist exchange services rather than mainstream banks.

• Indicate the quantity of 50 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We provide a secure UK-based service for exchanging withdrawn and non-circulating Chinese currency, including higher-denomination Foreign Exchange Certificates. Many banks no longer accept these notes due to their discontinued status and specialist nature, but we regularly handle legacy Chinese issues for individuals, charities, and businesses.

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