First series of the renminbi

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The first series of Renminbi banknotes was introduced during the Chinese Civil War by the newly-founded People's Bank of China on December 1, 1948, nearly one year before the founding of the People's Republic of China itself. It was issued to unify and replace the various currencies of the communist-held territories as well as the currency of the Nationalist government.

This series also called "Old Currency", which 10000 yuan is equal to 1yuan of the 2nd series and later(called "New Currency").

Due to the turbulent political situation at the time, the first series is rather chaotic, with many versions issued for each denomination. The banknotes show a mixture of agricultural and industrial scenes, modes of transportation, and famous sites.

The notes were issued in 12 denominations: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100, ¥200, ¥500, ¥1,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000 and ¥50,000, with a total of 62 designs. They were officially withdrawn on various dates between April 1, 1955 to May 10, 1955.

Images of Renminbi First Series Banknotes
Chinese Yuan First Series ¥1 Banknote Front Issued in 1948
Chinese Yuan First Series ¥1 Banknote Front Issued in 1948
Chinese Yuan First Series ¥1 Banknote Back Issued in 1948
Chinese Yuan First Series ¥1 Banknote Back Issued in 1948
Front design: a worker and a peasant

Main color of front: blue and pink
Back design: decorative pattern
Main color of back: light coffee
Size: 133 mm * 54 mm

Image:1949ChineseYuanFirst-1Yun-Front.gif Image:1949ChineseYuanFirst-1Yun-Back.gif Front design: factory

Main color of front: light blue and reddish blue
Back design: decorative ball
Main color of back: pale purple
Size: 116 mm * 56 mm

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