Core Insights - The third set of Renminbi (RMB) is a significant artifact in China's monetary history, reflecting the economic changes of the mid-20th century and serving as a medium of exchange and a historical record [1][2] Historical Background - The third set of RMB was issued on April 20, 1962, and remained in circulation for 38 years until July 1, 2000, making it the longest-circulating RMB set [2] - It was introduced during a period of economic adjustment, aimed at stabilizing the financial order and supporting economic development [2] - The design and issuance of the third set reflect the spirit of self-reliance and hard work, showcasing China's industrial achievements and collective ideals [2] Composition of the Collection - The "Third Set of RMB Collection Album" features a comprehensive collection of major banknotes and coins, emphasizing a complete collection system of "paper money + coins" [5] Paper Money Section - The 10 yuan note symbolizes political ideals with its imagery of the People's Congress, while the 5 yuan note represents industrial enthusiasm through the depiction of steelworkers [5][8] - The 2 yuan note features a lathe worker, reflecting mechanical industry development, and the 1 yuan note highlights agricultural mechanization with the image of a female tractor driver [8] - The 5角 note showcases textile workers, emphasizing the importance of light industry [8] - The 2角 note symbolizes infrastructure achievements with the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, and the 1角 note is notable for its various rare editions [11] - The fractional notes (5分, 2分, 1分) are categorized into "long-number" and "no-number" types, with the former being particularly valuable due to limited circulation [11] Coin Section - The collection includes hard coins issued from the 1950s to the 1990s, made from aluminum-magnesium alloy, featuring simple designs with the national emblem [11] Collectible Value - The collection's value is driven by its historical significance, artistic value, and market scarcity [14] - Each banknote and coin serves as a historical artifact, encapsulating specific societal memories and achievements [14] - The artistic design merges political and aesthetic elements, showcasing significant industrial and agricultural imagery [14] - Market scarcity has led to high prices for well-preserved sets, with some rare items exceeding 500,000 yuan in value [17][18] Cultural Significance - The collection transcends mere collectibles, acting as a narrative of contemporary Chinese history [18][21] - It reflects the value orientations and aesthetic tastes of mid-20th century China, showcasing labor and national identity [21] - The collection serves as primary data for analyzing monetary circulation, price levels, and industrial structure during the planned economy era [21] - It has fostered a culture of collecting and appreciation for currency as a historical and artistic medium, shifting from curiosity-driven to research-oriented collecting [21]