Extreme Banknotes
Shanghai Municipality Food Stamp Banknote Pair
Shanghai Municipality Food Stamp Banknote Pair
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A fascinating piece of economic and social history from the People’s Republic of China, this pair of Shanghai Municipality food stamps (also known as ration coupons) from 1972 is offered together as a collectible set. Both notes are available in Almost Uncirculated (AUNC) condition, making this bundle especially attractive to collectors of exonumia, Chinese history, and paper money ephemera.
📦 Included Banknotes
- 1 Shi Liang 1972
- 2 Shi Liang 1972
🧾 What These Notes Are
During much of the 1950s–1980s in China, many essential goods such as grain, flour, oil, and cloth were distributed through state rationing systems. Citizens were issued coupons like these that were required to purchase foodstuffs in addition to using currency. Without the appropriate stamps, people couldn’t legally buy rationed items, this made food stamps a necessary part of daily life.
Although sometimes casually referred to as “food stamps,” these items are technically ration coupons (粮票), a type of exonumia rather than legal tender, and they offer a vivid window into China’s planned economy era.
🔎 Design & Historical Features
🛠 Obverse: Both notes are printed in Chinese (simplified) characters with the denomination and issuing authority clearly stated. The text identifies them as Shanghai Municipality food stamps for the specified Shi Liang value.
📜 Reverse: The back of each note carries instructions for use in Chinese, explaining that the coupon could be redeemed for grain or grain products within Shanghai, could not be bought or sold, and was invalid if altered or lost. This provides insight into the controlled nature of distribution at the time.
🏙️ Cultural Significance: Food coupons like these were ubiquitous in daily life across China before the market reforms of the 1980s–1990s, and many collectors value them for their sociopolitical context as well as their graphic design.
📌 Collectible Appeal
✨ Historical Context: Ration coupons vividly illustrate China’s economic policies during the pre-reform era, a fascinating subject for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts of communist and Cold War-era economies.
📏 Condition Matters: These food stamps are offered in Almost Uncirculated (AUNC) condition, meaning they show minimal signs of handling and retain strong visual appeal, a significant bonus when compared to commonly circulated examples.
Add this Shanghai 1972 Food Stamp Pair to your collection for a unique slice of Chinese economic history, capturing a moment when everyday citizens relied on coupons like these to secure their daily grain supply.
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Serial Number Disclaimer
Actual serial numbers on banknotes vary from piece to piece. The serial shown in product photos may not match the banknote you receive, but all items are guaranteed authentic and graded as described.
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CONDITION GUIDE
Gem Uncirculated
A note that is flawless, with the same freshness, crispness and bright color as when first printed. It
must be perfectly centered, with full margins, and free of any marks, blemishes or traces of handling.
About Uncirculated
A bright, crisp note that appears new but upon close examination shows a trace of very light use, such as a corner fold or faint crease. 'About Uncirculated' is a borderline condition, applied to a note which may not be quite uncirculated, but yet is obviously better than an average Extra Fine note. Such notes command a price only slightly below a new note and are highly desirable.
Extra Fine
A note that shows some faint evidence of circulation, although it will still be bright and retain nearly full crispness. It may have two or three minor folds or creases but no tears or stains and no discolorations.
Very Fine
A note that has been in circulation, but not actively or for long. It still retains some crispness and is still choice enough in its condition to be altogether desirable. It may show folds or creases, or some light smudges from the hands of a past generation. Sometimes, Very Fine notes are the best available in certain rare issues, and they should accordingly be cherished just as much as uncirculated notes.
Fine
A fine note shows evidence of much more circulation, has lost its crispness and very fine detail, and creases are more pronounced, although the note is still not seriously soiled or stained.
SHIPPING
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Your banknote will be packaged between two sturdy pieces of cardboard to safeguard its condition during transit, guaranteeing it arrives to you exactly as described. Should you have any inquiries, please don't hesitate to reach out - we're here to assist you!