The evolution of paper currency from 1949 to 2009

• Source: Global Times
• [18:42 September 27 2009]
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Second set

 
Issued in 1955, this second set was in circulation until 2007. It has 11 different face values, the largest denomination being a 10 yuan note because the actual value ratio between the second set and the first one is 1:10000. This set used less human images than the first one, and the scenes of unity between the farmers and workers became a common sight, as they had a face value of 5 yuan. At that time China's 3, 5 and 10 yuan notes were printed in the Soviet Union to ensure the bills could not be easily counterfeited.

Third set:

The third set was issued in 1962, and has seven face values, the largest of which is 10 yuan. The design reflected people who have contributed to New China, from college students, to workers and farmers. The 10 yuan note shows the people's representatives walking out of the Great Hall of the People, which reflected that people were in charge of their own lives for the first time. Nowadays the 1 jiao or 0.1 yuan notes are very rare and are now valued at 30,000 times their face value.

Fourth Set:

 
With nine different face values, this set was issued in 1987, with 100 yuan notes as the largest one. In 1992, a security thread was added to bills worth 50 yuan and 100 yuan for anti-counterfeit measures. This set of notes reflected China's progress under the governance of the Communist Party of China, and the side profiles of four of China's former leaders were introduced.

Fifth Set:

 
The latest set used today was issued in 1999, and it has eight face values. In 2005, a new edition of this set was printed with many anti-counterfeit measures. All the bills feature Chairman Mao's image.