Description
Banknote Details
Country: China
Issuer: People's Bank of China
Denomination: 1 Fen
Year: 1979
Catalog Number: Pick # FX3a
Series: Chinese Foreign Exchange Certificate (FEC)
Serial Number (your note): AE 539970
Grading Company: DIM Currency
Grade: 35 – Choice Very Fine (VF)
Material: Paper
Color: Green / multicolor security patterns
Design
Front:
Scenic lake and mountain landscape with traditional Chinese style engraving.
Chinese characters at top meaning People’s Bank of China.
Decorative geometric security patterns on the left.
Denomination “1” and Chinese characters 壹分 / 壹圆 style mark depending on issue style.
Back:
Similar ornamental design with denomination and Chinese text (varies slightly depending on printing).
Historical Information
This note belongs to the Foreign Exchange Certificate (FEC) system used in China from 1979–1994.
FEC notes were issued mainly for foreign visitors and tourists, who had to exchange foreign currency for these special notes to spend inside China.
Chinese citizens normally used regular Renminbi, while foreigners used FEC, often in special stores.
Estimated Collector Value (2024–2025 market)
Choice Very Fine (35): about $10 – $25 USD
Higher grades (UNC): $40+ USD
Because your note is graded and encapsulated, it may sell toward the upper end of the range.
✔️ Collector Tip:
Low-denomination FEC notes like 1 Fen are collectible because they were produced in smaller quantities compared to higher values.