The fourth series ¥50 note dated 1980 — collector shorthand “8050” — was issued on 27 April 1987 (Pick 888a). It was the first ¥50 banknote of the series and is widely regarded as the “king” of fourth-series renminbi because of its relatively low survival rate in high grade.
Return of the ¥50 denomination
The fourth series of renminbi reintroduced high-value notes after the third series ended large-denomination circulation. The 8050 (Pick P888a) was the first ¥50 of the series, entering circulation on 27 April 1987 although the note is dated 1980 — a common fourth-series pattern where the date field reflects design approval rather than release year.
Issued by the People’s Bank of China, an estimated 62 million notes were printed across roughly 24 standard prefix ranges plus replacement JZ notes. Heavy circulation before withdrawal in 2018 means uncirculated examples — especially early CP “sky-blue serial” crowns — command strong premiums in mainland and overseas markets.
Design and security
The reverse depicts the Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River. The note measures 160 × 77 mm with a steel-worker watermark. Unlike the later 9050, the 8050 has no embedded security thread and no UV-reactive “WUSHI / 50” lettering — useful checks when comparing genuine notes.
Collecting notes
- About 24 standard prefixes were issued (CP–GR series), plus replacement prefix JZ; early “sky-blue serial” CP crowns are especially sought after.
- Withdrawal began on 1 May 2018; exchange ended 30 April 2019. PMG/EPQ grades strongly affect market value.
- Beware of 9050 notes with altered dates; genuine 8050 notes never have a security thread under backlight.