VINTAGE 1940 Chinese Banknote Display. 50 Yuan. Sun Yat-sen Portrait. Pagoda Reverse. Bank of China. WWII Shanghai Souvenir

✨ Historic Chinese Currency Presented for Display
Part of my Shanghai Collection Series, this authentic 1940 Bank of China 50 Yuan banknote is presented in a clear magnetic acrylic display holder, allowing both sides of the note to be viewed and enjoyed.
The front features an engraved portrait of Sun Yat-sen, while the reverse depicts an elegant round pagoda rendered in rich reddish-brown tones. The intricate engraving and warm coloration make this note as appealing as decorative artwork as it is a historical collectible.
📜 A Family Story From Shanghai
This note comes from a group brought home from Shanghai by my father during his military service. During the wartime years and the economic upheaval that followed, many earlier Chinese banknotes were withdrawn and replaced by later issues.
According to family tradition, my father asked what should be done with the obsolete notes. His commanding officer reportedly replied:
"I don't care if you decorate your Christmas tree with them."
So they did.
Many notes from this group retained traces of tape from those holiday decorations decades later. This example preserves that unique connection to both family history and a remarkable period in world events.
🖼 Design Features
• Bank of China issue
• Date: 1942
• Denomination: 50 Yuan
• Portrait of Sun Yat-sen
• Decorative pagoda reverse design
• Original serial number visible: K564835A
• Rich reddish-brown engraved printing
🧲 Magnetic Acrylic Display Holder
• Clear acrylic construction
• Displays both front and back of the note
• Held together with concealed magnets
• Note is not permanently mounted
• Opens easily for closer inspection
• Suitable for desk, bookshelf, office, library, or curio cabinet display
📋 Condition
Good vintage condition with age-related wear consistent with circulation, storage, and age. Visible folds, creases, and handling wear are present. The engraved imagery remains attractive and clearly visible. Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
🎯 Perfect For
• Chinese history enthusiasts
• Currency collectors
• WWII history collections
• Library and office décor
• Asian-inspired decorating themes
• Historical display collections
• Unique gifts for history lovers
A fascinating combination of Chinese history, family provenance, and decorative presentation, ready to display and enjoy.