1979 China 1 Yuan Foreign Exchange Certificate – Bank of China FEC Era Note
Pick# FX3 | Foreign Exchange Certificate (FEC)
Issued in 1979, during China’s early period of economic opening, the 1 Yuan Foreign Exchange Certificate (FEC) represents a unique chapter in the country’s monetary history. These certificates were created to control foreign currency circulation and were used exclusively by foreign visitors, diplomats, and designated institutions.
Unlike standard Renminbi notes, FECs were redeemable only at approved shops, hotels, and service points, making them both a financial tool and a cultural artifact of China’s transition toward global engagement.
The 1 Yuan FX3 note features a peaceful river scene on the obverse and a detailed English‑language legal frame on the reverse, emphasizing its role as a controlled, foreign‑facing currency instrument.
Design Highlights
Obverse
Scenic river landscape, reflecting China’s natural beauty and traditional artistic style
Text in Chinese:
中國銀行 — Bank of China
外汇兑换券 — Foreign Exchange Certificate
壹圆 — One Yuan
一九七九年 — Year 1979
Clean, elegant layout with soft colour tones typical of late‑1970s Chinese printing
Reverse
Decorative border containing English and Chinese text explaining usage restrictions:
The FEC yuan is equivalent in value to the Renminbi yuan
Valid only within designated areas in China
Loss cannot be registered or compensated
Denomination displayed as ONE YUAN and 1
Specifications
Attribute Details
Country People’s Republic of China
Period People’s Republic (1949–present)
Type Foreign Exchange Certificate
Year 1979
Value 1 Yuan
Currency Foreign Exchange Certificate
Composition Paper
Size 151 × 58 mm
Shape Rectangular
Demonetized Yes
Reference P‑FX3
Why Add This Note to Your Collection?
The 1979 1 Yuan FEC is ideal for:
Collectors of Chinese monetary history
Enthusiasts of foreign exchange certificates
Fans of tourism‑era and restricted‑use currency
Curators of late‑20th‑century economic reform artifacts
Anyone building a complete FEC series set
Its limited use, unique legal status, and historical significance make it a standout piece from China’s early reform era.
