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Orbis Collectibles

People's Republic of China circulating coinage

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · partial

Period

from 1955

People's Republic of China circulating coinage comprises the metallic currency issued by the People's Bank of China, consisting of fen, jiao, and yuan denominations. The currency system uses the yuan as its primary base unit, with each yuan divided into 10 jiao, and each jiao further subdivided into 10 fen.

While the renminbi was initially introduced solely in paper form, circulating coinage was launched gradually alongside banknotes, beginning with the smallest denominations from 1955. Over time, coin production expanded from early aluminium fen issues to include higher jiao and yuan denominations, such as the ¥0.1, ¥0.5, and ¥1 coins updated in the fifth series release to enhance recognizability.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
1
Catalogue references
0

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

The renminbi was introduced by the People's Bank of China in December 1948 in paper form to replace regional currencies and stabilize the economy. Following an end to hyperinflation, a revaluation occurred in 1955 at a rate of 1 new yuan to 10,000 old yuan, marking the period from which circulating coinage was introduced alongside renminbi banknotes.

Design

Obverse
State arms or denomination depending on series
Reverse
Denomination and date

Identification

Series
Distinguish early aluminium fen coins from later jiao and yuan issues
Recognition pointers (from background sources)
Distinguish early aluminium fen coins from the later jiao and yuan issues. Inspect the obverse, which features either the state arms or the denomination depending on the series. Examine the reverse, which displays the denomination and the date. Look for standard denominations within the renminbi unit system, including fen, jiao (such as ¥0.1 and ¥0.5), and yuan (¥1).

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Research required
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Research required
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Research required
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Research required
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.

Research required

  • Series dates, metals and specifications to be transcribed from a verified catalogue
  • Mint attribution to be confirmed
  • Catalogue numbers require transcription
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