VINTAGE 1936 Chinese Banknote Display. Farmers Bank of China 100 Yuan. River Boats & Arched Bridge. Shanghai Collection. WWII Souvenir

✨ Historic Chinese Currency Presented for Display
Part of my Shanghai Collection Series, this authentic 1936 Farmers Bank of China 100 Yuan banknote is presented in a clear magnetic acrylic display holder that allows both sides of the note to be viewed and enjoyed.
Unlike many banknotes of the period that focused on political figures or symbolic imagery, this example features a beautifully engraved scene of traditional river boats passing beneath an arched bridge. The design offers a glimpse into everyday life in pre-war China while showcasing the remarkable artistry of early twentieth-century banknote engraving.
📜 A Family Story From Shanghai
This note comes from a group brought home from Shanghai by my father during his military service. During the years surrounding World War II, inflation, political upheaval, and currency reforms led to many earlier Chinese banknotes being withdrawn from circulation.
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 a tangible connection to both family history and a remarkable chapter of twentieth-century history.
🚤 A Glimpse of Historic China
The central vignette depicts traditional river boats traveling along a canal beneath an arched stone bridge, surrounded by waterside architecture. More than simply a piece of currency, the note serves as a miniature engraved landscape capturing the character of historic China.
The reverse continues the theme with additional architectural imagery framed by elaborate security engraving and decorative borders.
🌍 International Printing Heritage
Banknotes of this era were produced using highly sophisticated engraving and security printing techniques. Their detailed artwork, intricate guilloche patterns, and finely engraved scenes transformed everyday currency into miniature works of art.
🧲 Magnetic Acrylic Display Holder
• Clear acrylic construction
• Displays both front and back of the note
• Held together with concealed magnets
• Note is not glued or permanently mounted
• Opens easily for closer examination
• Suitable for bookshelf, office, library, study, or curio cabinet display
📋 Condition
Vintage condition with visible signs of age, handling, folds, creases, edge wear, and historical storage. The note remains visually attractive and displays beautifully despite its age. Please review photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
🎯 Perfect For
• Chinese history enthusiasts
• Currency collectors
• WWII history collections
• Asian-inspired décor
• Library and office displays
• Historical artwork collections
• Unique gifts for history lovers
📦 Free U.S. Shipping
The price you see includes shipping anywhere in the United States. Your note will be carefully packaged and shipped in its magnetic acrylic display holder, ready for display upon arrival.
From The Shanghai Collection Series
This note is part of a collection of historic Chinese banknotes brought home from Shanghai by my father following his military service. Each note is presented in a magnetic acrylic display holder that allows both sides to be viewed while preserving the ability to remove the note for closer examination.