Set Description
This is the main set that houses post 1952 CNY notes. The collection program focuses on high quality 2nd, 3rd and 4th Series CNY banknotes as well as commemorative notes. 5th Series' program theme is straight 8s serial number of at least PMG66 grade.
For 2nd/3rd Series and commemorative notes, high quality denotes circulation, including replacement, notes at PMG 69 or at no less than the 2nd highest grade.
For 4th Series, the program focuses on replacement notes of PMG68 grade only.
For 5th Series, the program focuses on straight 8s serial number graded at no less than PMG66. The number 8, being the undisputed symbol of auspiciousness, enjoys a special status in the Chinese culture.
Replacement notes and important variant notes not differentiated by PMG are separately housed in the 1st and 2nd Supplementary Sets.
There is currently no program planned for specimen notes.
A note on why PMG 70 notes are avoided. One, I don't want to bear the burden of perfection, which is a suffering (think Gattaca: "Eugene" suffered under a different burden. The burden of perfection). This is also reflected in the Chinese Philosophy of YiJing: a PMG 70 is analogous to, roughly translated, "the proud, soaring dragon has regrets". One such regret is the inflated price of PMG 70 for its indiscernible perfection. By comparison, a PMG 69 is unencumbered of such a burden, and embraces its minor imperfection as its unique identity.
