1949 China Hainan Bank 2&5 Fen Banknote Set-Sun-Yat-Sen-Littleton Stamp & Coin Co.

Offered here is an attractive original two-note 1949 Hainan Bank fractional currency set, originally distributed by Littleton Stamp & Coin Co., Inc.

The set consists of:

• 1949 Hainan Bank 2 Fen / 2 Cents
• 1949 Hainan Bank 5 Fen / 5 Cents

Both notes feature a portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, one of the most important political figures in modern Chinese history, on the left side of the obverse.

The notes were issued during the final turbulent period of the Republic of China government on mainland China, shortly before Communist forces completed their victory in the Chinese Civil War. Hainan remained under Nationalist control into 1950, making these small-denomination notes interesting pieces from the closing period of Nationalist rule on the mainland. The 2 Fen type is officially dated Republic Year 38 / 1949 and measures approximately 100 × 52 mm. 

Both notes are uniface, meaning the reverse sides were intentionally left blank, exactly as shown in your photographs.

Original Littleton Packaging

Included is the original vintage Littleton Stamp & Coin Co., Inc. collector envelope, identified as:

N7-C – CHINA (Hainan)

The Littleton description reads:

“Set of 2 small notes. 2 Cents red. Man’s head at left. 5 Cents, maroon. Man’s head at left. Reverse plain.”

The envelope is also printed:

“GUARANTEED GENUINE – PRICED ACCORDING TO CONDITION”

and originally carried a retail price of 50¢.

That original Littleton envelope is a nice addition because it preserves the way these notes were marketed to American collectors years ago.

Condition

The notes appear crisp and exceptionally clean from your photographs, with strong printing, sharp edges and no obvious circulation folds.