Under PBOC Announcement No. 18 of 2024, the 2025 Lunar New Year commemorative banknote (乙巳 Year of the Snake) was issued from 16 December 2024. It follows the same ¥20 polymer format as the 2024 Dragon note, with 100 million notes produced.
Second year of the programme
The 2025 Snake note (Pick P912) followed the Dragon issue under PBOC Announcement No. 18 of 2024, released from 16 December 2024 for the 乙巳 lunar year. It keeps the ¥20 denomination, 145 × 70 mm polymer format and core security layout while shifting regional motifs to Shanxi folk architecture on the reverse.
Mintage again reached 100 million notes. Collectors pairing the Snake with the 2024 Dragon should watch for consistent grading, matching appointment-era originals, and the companion ¥10 bi-metallic coins issued in the same lunar suite.
Reverse design
The reverse shows children putting up spring couplets, framed by Shanxi folk-house decorative patterns — shifting the regional motif from the Dragon note’s Beijing courtyards. Security features match the series standard: intaglio printing, holographic elements and braille marks.
Appointment and market notes
- Online appointment ran 3–9 January 2025; exchange followed at designated bank branches, again capped at 20 notes per person.
- Companion ¥10 bi-metallic coins and precious-metal medals were released in the same 乙巳 suite.
- Collectors often pair Snake and Dragon notes as the opening two entries in the 12-animal zodiac set.