50 Fen Chinese Foreign Exchange Certificate (1979)

The 50 Fen Chinese Foreign Exchange Certificate, first issued in 1979, formed part of the Foreign Exchange Certificate (FEC) system introduced by the Bank of China during a period when the country tightly controlled access to its domestic currency. These certificates were created specifically for use by foreign visitors, diplomats, and overseas Chinese, allowing them to spend money within approved locations while separating foreign currency usage from everyday Renminbi circulation.

Although denominated in yuan and fen and equivalent in face value to Renminbi, Foreign Exchange Certificates were legally distinct from standard Chinese banknotes. They could only be used at designated hotels, Friendship Stores, and authorised outlets, and were not intended for general public circulation. This system remained in place throughout the 1980s before being gradually withdrawn as China unified its currency system in the 1990s.

The front of the 50 Fen certificate features a finely engraved scenic design typical of late-1970s Chinese currency printing. At the centre is a traditional Chinese architectural scene, rendered in soft purple and lilac tones, framed by intricate guilloché patterns and decorative borders. The denomination “0.50” is clearly displayed alongside Chinese characters, with serial numbering and official Bank of China seals providing authentication and visual balance across the note.

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 expressed in the certificate is equivalent in value to the Renminbi yuan, while stating that the certificate may only be used within China at designated places. The denomination “Fifty Fen” and “0.50” are prominently displayed, surrounded by ornate borders that mirror the formal, institutional style of the era.

Today, 1979-issue Foreign Exchange Certificates are withdrawn and no longer valid for use in China. As a result, they are no longer accepted by most high-street banks, particularly in lower denominations such as fen values. However, they are still regularly presented for exchange through specialist services that handle legacy and non-circulating Chinese currency.

• Indicate the quantity of 50 Fen Chinese 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 banknotes, including Foreign Exchange Certificates from the 1970s and 1980s. While many banks no longer accept these notes due to their specialist status, we regularly process them for individuals, charities, and businesses.

For uncommon or older certificates, additional authenticity checks may be required. This can result in longer processing times, particularly for notes that are no longer widely encountered, but it helps ensure accurate valuation and secure handling throughout the exchange process.