Separate the Series before Comparing Old Banknotes
First Series Renminbi has many large denominations and designs; Second Series notes include the Big Black Ten and Soviet-printed issues; Third Series checks often begin with the green-back watermark 1-jiao, red 1-jiao and Lathe Worker 2-yuan; Fourth Series notes are separated by year, prefix and serial run. The four series cannot be compared by denomination alone.
For an overview of the banknote types, start with the First Series Renminbi, Second Series Renminbi, Third Series Renminbi and Fourth Series Renminbi.
Sorting a Stack of Banknotes
- Group notes by denomination and design; do not discard anything simply because it looks worn.
- Photograph each group in full and record the total number of notes.
- For a possible special variety, add photographs of both sides, all four corners, the prefix and the watermark under transmitted light.
- Keep the seals and order of original bundles and serial runs; photograph only the first and last serial numbers and the side of the bundle.
- Leave mildew spots, stuck notes, tears and old repairs as they are.
Record Watermarks under Even Backlighting
Lay the note flat inside a clean transparent sleeve. Diffused window light or an evenly lit panel will show the watermark's position, outline and paper fibres without a bright hotspot. Never place a note against a hot bulb, and do not use a filter to exaggerate contrast. For green-back watermark 1-jiao notes, Lathe Worker 2-yuan notes and other watermark varieties, the front, back and transmitted-light photographs must all show the same prefix and serial number.
Keep Prefixes and Serial Numbers in Order
Read prefixes, serial-number lengths, replacement prefixes and special numbers in the context of the series and variety. Photograph the prefix on every loose note. For a serial run, record the first and last notes and whether any numbers are missing between them. Do not open an original bundle or disturb an old seal merely to find one number; the order and packaging are evidence too.
A special-looking number does not override condition. Even with the same prefix, worn corners, a central fold, ink stains, pinholes, losses and repairs can leave notes in very different states. If an old sleeve carries a previous owner's note, photograph the note in its sleeve before adding views of the banknote. Never write on the note or attach a new label to it.
Paper Problems Change the Assessment
A washed note may lose its original stiffness, while pressing can make folds appear fainter. Filled holes, trimmed edges, recolouring and replaced corners also affect completeness. Use natural light for the main photographs, raking light for surface relief and transmitted light only for the watermark and paper.
Washed paper may become wavy, show ink bleed or lose its original sheen. A pressed note can have unnaturally flat corners while old folds remain visible under raking light. Added paper, glue, tape and recolouring often appear at the edges, folds or darker parts of the design. Do not use an iron, heavy books or a damp cloth; each can introduce further changes.
Protect Notes from Damp and Adhesion
Place dry loose notes flat in suitable banknote sleeves. Separate notes with a musty smell, damp marks or adhesion from other paper and leave them as they are. Do not pull them apart, brush away mould or spray cleaner before the paper has been assessed. If the group also contains ration coupons, foreign currency or commemorative notes, photograph those separately so material from different markets is not assessed together.
Banknote dimensions are worth recording. Trimming, replaced corners and patching can leave uneven margins. Keep the note in its transparent sleeve, record length and width in millimetres and never pull a brittle tear straight. If the front or back design is misaligned, faded or locally retouched, photograph the whole note in natural light so the scale of the issue remains clear.
What an Initial Photo Review Can Establish
Clear photographs can identify the denomination, design, prefix and visible damage, and show what to photograph next. Paper thickness, subtle repairs and some printing characteristics still require examination of the note in hand.
Banknote Guides
- Third Series Renminbi: Complete Views, Corners and Edges
- Third Series Renminbi: Sets, Condition and Common Varieties
- Before a Collection Handover: Packaging, Labels and Item Count
If several series are mixed together, send the older notes in separate groups; there is no need to remove every note from its sleeve first.
