Lot 3490

Description

China, Ming Dynasty bank note for one kuan, issued 1368-1399, front black with two red squares seal hand stamps ten strings of cash coins at centre, back with one red and one black seal overprint, deep grey mulberry paper 209x320 mm. (P.AA10 [p.219]). Heavy creases and holes along folds and weakness in small areas, otherwise very good - fine and rare.

The first banknote ever made, being several centuries before Europe started to make banknotes.