China-Peoples Republic Coin List

The official currency of the People's Republic of China is the renminbi, whose basic unit is the yuan. The Chinese monetary system has a long and fascinating history, with important changes and developments over the centuries.

Current currency in circulation

The renminbi, which means "people's currency", was introduced in 1949 after the founding of the People's Republic of China. Currently, banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 10, 20, 50 and 100 yuan are in circulation, as well as coins of 1 and 5 jiao (tenths of a yuan) and 1 yuan. The banknote design features portraits of Mao Zedong and scenes depicting the country's ethnic and geographic diversity.

Monetary history and highlights

Prior to the renminbi, China used various monetary systems, including the silver tael and the Chinese dollar. An important milestone in Chinese numismatics was the introduction of round coins with a square hole in the center during the Qin dynasty (221-206 BC), a design that endured for centuries. In more recent times, the internationalization of the renminbi and its inclusion in the IMF reserve currency basket in 2016 marked a turning point in China's monetary history.