China’s 1965 10 Yuan Banknote: A Portrait of Socialist Unity and Architectural Power
Share
China’s 1965 10 Yuan Banknote: A Portrait of Socialist Unity and Architectural Power Pick# 879a | Numista# 221044
The 1965 10 Yuan banknote from the People's Republic of China stands as a compelling artifact of Cold War-era currency design. Issued during the height of Maoist socialism, this note belongs to the Third Series of Renminbi and reflects the ideological priorities of a nation undergoing rapid transformation. For collectors of revolutionary-era banknotes and global political iconography, it offers both visual impact and historical depth.
National Unity in Design
The obverse of the note features a striking vignette: eight individuals representing China’s major ethnic groups, standing shoulder to shoulder in traditional attire. This composition was not merely decorative—it was a deliberate message of unity under the Communist Party, reinforcing the idea of a harmonious, multi-ethnic socialist state. Above them, the issuing authority “中国人民银行” (People’s Bank of China) is printed in bold script, anchoring the note in institutional authority.
The denomination “拾圆” (10 Yuan) appears prominently, with balanced symmetry and strong typographic presence. The figures are rendered in socialist realist style, emphasizing dignity, strength, and collective purpose.
Architectural Symbolism
On the reverse, the Great Hall of the People dominates the composition. Located in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, this building is the seat of China’s legislative power and a symbol of centralized governance. Its inclusion on the note reinforces the connection between the people and the state, and between ideology and infrastructure.
Framed by denomination indicators and decorative borders, the reverse design is both austere and monumental—reflecting the architectural language of mid-20th-century socialist regimes.
Technical Details
Date of Issue: 1965
Printer: People's Bank of China
Dimensions: 156 × 73 mm
Material: Paper
Watermark: Radiating image of the Great Hall of the People
Catalog References: Pick# 879a, Numista# 221044
Collector Appeal
While the note was widely circulated, surviving examples in high grade—especially those with rare serial prefixes or fluorescent ink variants—are increasingly sought after. PMG-certified specimens in UNC condition can command prices upwards of $150, depending on rarity and visual quality.
For numismatists interested in Cold War currency, socialist design, or the evolution of Chinese banknote aesthetics, the 1965 10 Yuan note offers a rich narrative. It is not merely a medium of exchange—it is a visual manifesto of national identity, political ideology, and cultural messaging.
