🇨🇳 China – 1 Yuan – 1999 – Mao Series

Pick# 895 | Numista# 202688 | Banknote Book# B4109

A modern classic of Chinese currency, the 1999 1 Yuan banknote marks the beginning of the Mao Zedong series, celebrating the founding father of the People’s Republic of China. Issued by the People’s Bank of China, this note blends cultural symbolism with advanced security features, making it a staple for collectors of modern Asian banknotes.

👤 Obverse:

Portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong (1893–1976), China’s revolutionary leader and founding father.

Background features orchid blossoms, symbolizing elegance and refinement in Chinese culture.

Text: ZHONGGUO RENMIN YINHANG (People’s Bank of China)

Printed in yellow-green tones with intaglio printing for tactile texture.

🌙 Reverse:

Depicts the scenic “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon” at West Lake, Hangzhou—a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of China’s most iconic landscapes.

Multilingual inscriptions in Simplified Chinese, Pinyin, Tibetan, Uyghur, Mongolian, and Zhuang, reflecting China’s ethnic diversity.

🔍 Security Features:

Watermark: Orchid flower

Latent image: Hidden numeral “1” visible at an angle

Raised intaglio printing: Tactile lines and portrait details

Microtext: “RMB” and “1” visible under magnification

Two-tone serial numbers: Four red and six black digits

Yellow Omron rings: Anti-counterfeit microdots

📐 Specifications:

Year: 1999 (issued from 2004 onward)

Size: 130 × 63 mm

Material: Paper

Printer: China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation

Catalog References:

Pick# 895

Numista# 202688

Banknote Book# B4109


💡 Collector Insights:

First 1 Yuan note to feature Mao Zedong, replacing earlier designs with national landmarks.

A foundational piece for collectors of modern Chinese currency, Asian political history, or multilingual banknotes.

Often included in starter sets or educational collections due to its affordability and symbolism.