Core Viewpoint - The fourth set of RMB, particularly the one-jiao bill, serves as a significant witness to China's economic transformation during the early reform and opening-up period, reflecting the historical and cultural essence of that time [1][15]. Historical Background - The fourth set of RMB was issued starting April 27, 1987, during a critical period of social and economic transition in China, with the one-jiao bill being the smallest denomination that mirrored the economic conditions and living standards of the time [1]. - The one-jiao bill had considerable purchasing power during the early reform period, facilitating active commodity transactions as China transitioned from a planned economy to a market economy [1]. - The one-jiao bill is one of the last small denomination notes printed on traditional paper, adding to its collectible significance as subsequent small denominations shifted to coins [1]. Design and Craftsmanship - The one-jiao bill features a distinct design with a deep brown color, showcasing two minority ethnic figures on the front, symbolizing the harmony of China's multi-ethnic society [3]. - Advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies were employed, including intaglio printing and watermark paper, enhancing the bill's security features [3]. - The "hundred consecutive numbers" feature significantly increases its collectible value, as it represents a continuous series of bills [3]. Cultural Significance - The one-jiao bill encapsulates rich cultural elements, with detailed depictions of minority clothing and traditional Chinese patterns, reflecting the artistic heritage of the nation [6]. - The design incorporates traditional motifs and symmetrical aesthetics, showcasing the beauty of Chinese art and culture [6]. - The use of Mao Zedong's calligraphy for the bank's name and the inclusion of various ethnic scripts highlight the coexistence of multiple cultures within China [6]. Collectible Value - The collectible value of the fourth set of one-jiao hundred consecutive number edition is driven by its rarity and the special nature of its numbering, making it highly sought after in the collector's market [9]. - The condition of the bills is crucial for determining their collectible value, with uncirculated bills achieving higher ratings and prices [9]. - Compared to other denominations, the one-jiao bill is rarer in pristine condition due to lower preservation awareness at the time of circulation [9]. Market Analysis and Appreciation Potential - The RMB collecting market has seen a significant increase, with the average annual growth rate for the fourth set of RMB reaching 15%-20% over the past decade [12]. - The appreciation potential for the one-jiao bill is influenced by factors such as its withdrawal from circulation, the expanding collector base, and the increasing demand for asset preservation amid inflation [12]. - Experts predict that well-preserved, uniquely numbered collectible editions will continue to appreciate in value over time [12].

Core Viewpoint - The second set of Renminbi, particularly the two-cent banknote, holds significant historical and artistic value, making it a sought-after item in the collection community [1][4]. Group 1: Historical Significance - The second set of Renminbi was issued in the 1950s, marking an important phase in the establishment of China's monetary system and providing financial support for national economic recovery [1][4]. - The two-cent banknote serves as a historical artifact that reflects the economic and social changes in early New China, offering invaluable insights into China's monetary and social economic history [7]. Group 2: Collectible Value - The scarcity of the two-cent banknote, especially certain rare serial numbers, significantly enhances its market value, making it a target for collectors [5][7]. - The collection market for Renminbi has been on the rise, with early banknote varieties, including the second set, experiencing steady price increases, indicating strong investment potential [7][12]. Group 3: Artistic and Cultural Aspects - The design of the two-cent banknote features themes of transportation, symbolizing the vigor of industrial development in New China, while its aesthetic elements reflect a blend of solemnity and elegance [1][4]. - The collection titled "Two Birds with One Stone: The Second Set of Renminbi Two-Cent Serial Number Collection" encapsulates exquisite printing craftsmanship, a rich serial number system, and profound cultural significance, making it valuable for personal collection, academic research, and cultural gifting [9][12].

Core Viewpoint - The current circulation of the Renminbi is primarily the fifth series, with previous series mostly withdrawn from circulation, and the fifth series includes different versions based on the year of issuance [1] Group 1: Currency Versions and Market Dynamics - The fifth series of Renminbi consists of the 1999, 2005, and 2019 versions, with the 2019 version further subdivided by year [1] - The 1999 version of the 50 yuan note has become a "currency king," with special serial numbers like "Tiger" (five identical last digits) and "Elephant" (six identical last digits) selling for prices around 300 to 400 yuan, while other special serial numbers like "Leopard" and "Lion" can exceed 600 yuan [3] - The market for purchasing these notes is currently very weak, with few buyers for ordinary serial numbers, and only a limited number of dealers interested in special serial numbers [5] Group 2: Pricing and Collectibility - The ordinary 1999 version of the 50 yuan note is now considered face value, with selling prices around 100 yuan, reflecting a decline from previous values [6] - Despite being the least issued note in the fifth series, the 1999 version has a relatively high surviving quantity due to its short issuance period and the growing awareness of collection among the public [7] - Most households possess the 1999 version at face value, with only a few special serial numbers retaining some value, and selling these notes typically requires access to currency trading markets in major cities [9]

Historical Background - The first issuance of the 100 yuan denomination occurred on December 1, 1948, aimed at unifying the currency in liberated areas to support the liberation war and national economic reconstruction [3]. First Series of 100 Yuan Notes - The first 100 yuan note featuring a farming scene was issued on January 10, 1949, with a market reference price of 40,000 to 70,000 yuan [3]. - The 100 yuan note depicting industrial factories and trains was issued on March 20, 1949, with a market reference price of 20,000 to 40,000 yuan [3]. - The 100 yuan note illustrating a ship at sea was issued on August 3, 1949, with a market reference price of 80,000 to 120,000 yuan [3]. - The 100 yuan note showing a donkey carrying goods was issued on January 20, 1950, with a market reference price of 60,000 to 100,000 yuan [3]. Characteristics of the Currency - The first series of RMB utilized three-color printing for anti-counterfeiting, lacking a metallic security thread, but some notes contained hidden marks [5]. - The first series of RMB was in circulation for only 6 years and 4 months, from issuance until May 10, 1955 [5]. - Due to the high denomination, the first series faced circulation difficulties, leading to the introduction of the second series, where 100 yuan was exchanged for 1 fen [5]. Collecting Recommendations - For authenticity verification, the first series of RMB can be authenticated through national-level authoritative institutions, as it lacks security features like fluorescent markings [5]. - It is recommended to store the notes in acid-free bags and moisture-proof boxes to avoid direct contact [5]. - Trading in discontinued currency is legal in the collecting market, but counterfeiting and damaging RMB is prohibited [5].