The 1990-dated ¥50 note (9050, Pick 888b) was released on 20 August 1992 as a revised version of the 8050. The People’s Bank added a windowed security thread and colourless fluorescent ink to strengthen anti-counterfeiting after large-denomination notes returned to circulation.
Anti-counterfeiting upgrade
The 9050 (Pick P888b) arrived on 20 August 1992 as a security-enhanced revision of the 8050. The People’s Bank retained the worker–farmer–intellectual portraits and Hukou Waterfall reverse but changed the date to 1990 and added a windowed security thread plus UV-reactive “WUSHI / 50” lettering absent on the earlier type.
Print runs were substantially larger than for the 8050, making circulated and uncirculated examples far more affordable. For set builders, the 9050 is the accessible counterpart to the scarce 8050 within the “Big Four” fourth-series grouping.
How it differs from 8050
Under UV light, genuine 9050 notes show bright yellow “WUSHI” and “50” on the face; the 8050 does not. Backlight reveals a security thread on the right edge of the 9050 only. Mintage and circulation were higher, so uncirculated examples trade well below premium 8050 prices unless the serial number is special.
Market and authentication
- 9050 is a core component of the “Big Four” fourth-series set alongside 8050, 80100 and 90100.
- Replacement prefixes (e.g. U-prefix notes) and high-grade PMG slabs are popular with mainland collectors.
- Always inspect the date under magnification — altering “1990” to “1980” is a known fraud targeting 8050 premiums.