The China 100 Yuan Dragon Year 2000 Commemorative Banknote

The China 100 Yuan Dragon Year 2000 Commemorative Banknote was issued by the People’s Bank of China in 2000 to commemorate the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac and to celebrate the millennium. This special issue was a tribute to Chinese culture, history, and the transition to the 21st century.

---

1. Overview:

• Issue Year: 2000
• Denomination: 100 Yuan
• Commemorative Purpose: The note was issued to mark the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese lunar calendar (2000) and also celebrated the millennium transition.
• Limited Edition: The note was part of a limited edition series, making it a rare collectible piece. The design highlights the rich cultural heritage of China, particularly focusing on one of the most auspicious animals in the Chinese zodiac — the Dragon.

---

2. Design:

The design of the 100 Yuan Dragon Year 2000 commemorative note is both elegant and symbolically rich, drawing from China’s ancient and modern cultural themes.

• Obverse (Front):
  • The front features a majestic depiction of a dragon, which is an emblem of power, strength, and good fortune in Chinese culture.
  • The dragon is intricately detailed, with flowing scales and a dynamic pose that represents prosperity and good luck.
  • The Great Wall of China, symbolizing China’s historical strength and unity, is also featured in the background.
  • Text: The note includes “100 Yuan” and the year 2000 in both Chinese characters and Arabic numerals. The Chinese symbol for “Dragon” is also present, reinforcing the zodiac theme.
• Reverse (Back):
  • The reverse features an image of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, a symbol of China’s cultural and historical legacy. This religious and architectural site represents harmony between heaven and earth.
  • The background includes cloud patterns, symbolizing the dragon’s connection to heaven and the celestial forces.
  • There are also depictions of traditional Chinese motifs, including flowers and phoenix imagery, which further reflect prosperity and fortune.
• Color Scheme: The note incorporates red, gold, and green hues, which are considered auspicious and are traditionally associated with good fortune in Chinese culture. The dragon’s scales and other fine details are highlighted in metallic colors to make them stand out.

---

3. Dimensions:

• Length: 155 mm (6.10 inches)
• Width: 77 mm (3.03 inches)
• The dimensions are consistent with the standard Chinese banknotes issued by the People’s Bank of China, ensuring familiarity in terms of size while being distinct in design.

---

4. Security Features:

The China 100 Yuan Dragon Year 2000 Commemorative Banknote includes several advanced security features to prevent counterfeiting and ensure authenticity.

• Watermark: The note features a watermark of a dragon, visible when the note is held up to the light. The watermark is an essential security element that makes counterfeiting more difficult.
• Security Thread: There is an embedded security thread running through the note, which can be viewed when held up to the light.
• Color-Shifting Ink: The note uses color-shifting ink for the denomination, which changes color depending on the angle of view.
• Microprinting: Tiny microtext is printed on various parts of the note, adding another layer of security. This text is usually visible only under magnification.
• UV Features: Under ultraviolet light, the note reveals hidden features, such as glowing designs or text, which further protects against counterfeiting.
• Holographic Elements: Some versions of the note include holographic strips or patches, which shift colors when viewed from different angles.
• Raised Printing: Some areas, like the denomination or dragon design, feature raised printing that can be felt by touch.

---

5. Circulation and Collectibility:

• Circulation:
  • The China 100 Yuan Dragon Year 2000 note was released as a limited edition and was not meant for general circulation. It was intended mainly for collectors, commemorating the Year of the Dragon and the turn of the millennium.
  • These notes were primarily sold through banks and government channels as part of a commemorative set.
• Collectibility:
  • Limited Edition: The note’s limited release makes it highly collectible. The design and the Year of the Dragon theme are particularly popular among Chinese culture enthusiasts and numismatists.
  • Condition: The condition of the note is important in determining its market value. Notes in uncirculated or mint condition will fetch a higher price compared to those that have been used.
  • Market Value: The market value of the China 100 Yuan Dragon Year 2000 note typically ranges from $30 USD to $100 USD, depending on its condition and the presence of any unique features. Graded notes can command higher prices.
  • Cultural and Zodiac Appeal: The Year of the Dragon is one of the most auspicious and celebrated years in Chinese culture, making this note especially appealing to those who are interested in Chinese zodiac and cultural memorabilia.
  • International Demand: As China’s economy and global influence have grown, the interest in Chinese currency, especially commemorative notes, has become more widespread, making the note highly desirable in international markets as well.