5 Jiao

The 1949 five jiao was struck in the chaotic final months of Nationalist government control over the mainland, just as the Republic of China administration was collapsing toward its retreat to Taiwan. Silver coinage of this period was produced under extreme fiscal duress — the gold yuan had already failed catastrophically, wiping out the savings of millions — making even small-denomination silver issues a gesture of monetary credibility the government could barely sustain.

Most examples show significant circulation wear, a consequence of the upheaval surrounding the KMT's relocation across the strait.