Chinese Soviet Republic Coins Sichuan-Shaanxi 200 Cash 1934

Chinese Soviet Republic Coins Sichuan-Shaanxi 200 Cash 1934

Coins of the Sichuan-Shaanxi Revolutionary Base

This coin is an issue of the Soviet Republic of Sichuan-Shanxi, which was founded in 1933. That this is a Chinese-Soviet coin is easily recognizable from the hammer and the sickle on the reverse, and the Chinese inscription on the obverse. The legend reads, "Workers of the world, unite!"

Obverse: Hammer and sickle within star
Lettering: 1934
Reverse: 200 Cash.

Year: 1934.
Value: 200 Cash.
Metal: Copper.
Diameter: 30 mm.
Shape: Round.

Sichuan-Shaanxi Revolutionary Base money. workers and peasants led by the Communist Party of China issued RMB bank (RMB - Renminbi - literally means "people's currency"), which is the second time Revolutionary War issued in large quantities.
  The 200 cash copper coin of 1934 contained a “200” within a plain circle on the obverse while showing a large star with hammer and sickle at its center with four Chinese characters appearing between the points of the star, and the date below. The date “1934” appears on some first-struck coins with the figure “4” engraved backwards!

In 1931 the First National Congress of the Chinese Soviets passed resolutions setting up the Chinese Soviet Republic. One of these resolutions dealt with economic affairs. It stated that insomuch as the soviets were located in wholly agricultural regions, possessed no industries, and were in a state of incessant civil war necessitating the raising of military funds; the various soviets were therefore empowered to issue their own coins and currency. It was further authorized that such currencies could be exchanged for those of the “outside” areas. The Workers and Peasants Bank was set up in order to effect a unified currency system. The bank was to lend money through its various branches to peasants, small merchants and cooperatives in order to develop their economic livelihood. The bank was further charged to function as the currency exchange agency for the republic, specifying that the bank's branches would carry out the collection of taxes in addition to their other duties.
   The Chinese soviets extended over a number of provinces. Their boundaries were constantly fluid, depending upon the state of military operations at the time. In October 1934, immediately before the abandonment of Kiangsi and the Long March, the Communist areas consisted of the following seven soviets:

1. The Central Area – site of the central Soviet government, based at Juichin in an area extending over Kiangsi, Fukien and Kwangtung.
2. Min-Che-Kan Area – covered parts of Kiangsi, Fukien and Chekiang.
3. Hsiang-O-Kan Area – extending along the boundaries of Hunan, Hupeh and Kiangsi.
4. Hsiang-Kan Area – included parts of Hunan and Kiangsi.
5. O-Yu Yuan Area – included parts of Hupeh, Honan and Anhwei.
6. Hsiang-O-Hsi Area – Hunan, Huoeh and parts of Szechuan.
7. Ch'uan-Shan Area – the northern soviet including Shensi and the northern part of Szechuan.

Considering the relatively small size of the soviets, it is estimated that the combined land area at this time consisted of one sixth the total of these provinces. Within these borders lived a population of 36 million.
   The first phase of the Communist expansion (1927-1935) was the only phase in which coins were issued. Not many official records concerning them have survived. What little we know comes principally from Eduard Kann, the British banker who wrote prolifically on the subject of Chinese currency, both past and present, for the Far Eastern Economic Review and elsewhere; and a few books and articles by Chinese authors.
   Portable mining machinery was obtained for the purpose of striking coins in the above areas. These mints normally coined silver, but in the case of the Central area a mint for the purpose of striking copper subsidiary coinage was set up as well. A mint typically employed thirty workers. The presses used were extremely crude and ineffective, which accounts for the fact that rarely is one of these coins encountered that it isn't of inferior execution – i.e., weakly struck or lacking in all its characteristics. What these coins may have lacked in appearance, they made up in integrity. The Communists, as we have seen, were totally honest in all their dealings with the peasantry. Seeking to impress others with their forthrightness, they scrupulously saw to it that their coins maintained good weight and fineness. This was in direct contrast to the Nationalists, whose money consisted of miscellaneous coins of various weights and fineness to say nothing of the outright counterfeits which circulated widely. Peasants living within Kuomintang controlled areas always preferred the coins of the soviets.
   Trade with these areas depended upon the silver dollar, while the subsidiary coinage tended to circulate only within the soviets. Even the soviet paper money notes retained full value despite their crude and ragged appearance.
   To fuel the mint's coin presses the revolutionaries used silver, copper, lead and tin utensils confiscated from the local landlords who fell victim to their aggression. A considerable amount of metal was also obtained through currency exchange.
   The capacity of these crudely operated mints proved small, necessitating the creation of paper money which circulated side-by-side with and gradually surpassed the coins in circulation. After the Long March the entire economy of Communist China was run on paper money. Before we turn to paper money emissions let us examine the coin types of these early soviets.
   Many of these issues contained common characteristics. These include the hammer and sickle device, adapted from the Russian revolution, which appeared on the majority of coins issued. The Western calendar was always used – as opposed to the year dating from the founding of the Republic of China found on Nationalist coins. The year was always spelled out in full (i.e. “1932” in Chinese characters) as opposed to “year 21 of the republic”. This was a radical departure from past practice. In addition, Chinese inscriptions were written both left to right (the old way) and right to left on different coin types. Lastly, these coins were meant to serve as propaganda in addition to their function as a medium of exchange. They are replete with Communist slogans such as “Made by the Communist Soviets” and “Workers of the World Unite!”

1916 China Yan-Shih-Kai Dragon Gold Dollar

1916  Yan-Shih-Kai Dragon Gold Dollar

China Tall Hat Dollar with Dragon Reverse in Gold, ND (1916). Tientsin Mint.
Struck in gold. Presentation strike celebrating the Hung Hsien regime.
Fr-unlisted; L&M-1114; K-1560; KM-Pn44; Wenchao-pg. 93#55 (rarity three stars); Sun-VI-3-05; WS-0076.

1916 China Yan-Shih-Kai Dragon Gold Dollar

Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1921 for Philadelphia Coin Dealer Henry Chapman.

After years of research, and convincing evidence in the form of receipts for purchases, I believe that the famous 1916 Yan-Shih-kai Dragon gold dollars were struck in the United States in 1921 for Philadelphia coin dealer Henry Chapman, and not made in China. The historic receipts will be offered in a public auction in Hong Kong in April.

1921 is an interesting era in numismatic history for it was during this period that Chapman had various coins specially made for him at the Philadelphia Mint.  It is well-known and documented that in 1921 he ordered proof Morgan dollars from the Philadelphia Mint.  What other coins did he have struck to sell to collectors?

For many years I have had three receipts that indicate Chapman had Chinese gold medals and silver medals struck at the U.S. Mint in 1921. The first receipt from the Mint is dated November 25, 1921 to Henry Chapman for 22 gold medals from Chinese dies and 50 silver medals from Chinese dies; the second is from the U.S. Mint, dated March 2, 1921, to George T. Morgan for 3 Chinese gold medals; and the third is handwritten from the U.S. Mint, dated March 26, 1921, to Henry Chapman and George T. Morgan for a pair of dies for medals, 1-1/2 inches diameter, portrait of Chinese General, reverse dragon with inscription.

The documents describe the coins as “medals,” and there were no denominations indicated and references to them as dollars struck in gold.  But as the coins have appeared on the market, they are referred to as dollars struck in gold.

George T. Morgan, born in Birmingham, England, in 1845, came to the United States from England in 1876 and was hired as an assistant engraver at the Mint in October of that year.  He figured very prominently in the production of pattern coins from 1877 onward. To his hand can be ascribed some of the most beautiful of all patterns of the 1877-1882 era, including several varieties of 1877 half dollars and  the 1879 “Schoolgirl” dollar.

Following Chief Engraver William Barber’s death in 1879, Morgan hoped that he would be named to the post. However, the nod went to Barber’s son Charles, a man of relatively few talents in the engraving field. Charles Barber remained in the position for many years, until his death on February 18, 1917. Subsequently, Morgan became chief engraver, but this was late in his life, and his “glory years” had already been spent in a secondary position. He remained chief engraver until his death on January 4, 1925.

The Chapman brothers, Henry and S.H., worked for John W. Haseltine in his Philadelphia coin shop in the 1870s, and then in 1879 started a business on their own. Their first sensational sale was the Bushnell Collection in 1882, after which they had a long string of successes. In 1906 they split up the partnership and both brothers went on their own, each registering many accomplishments over the years. Henry Chapman, more than S.H., was involved in maintaining an inventory and selling directly to customers.

The description of these “medals” struck at the Philadelphia Mint corresponds to the “Hung Hsien” dollar which is a dollar size coin but does not have the word DOLLAR in English or Chinese.  This Hung Hsien “coin/medal” has never fit in with the other coins struck during this period.

I have been researching the origins of the receipts which I bought from George F. Kolbe about 15 years ago. Kolbe claims in the 1980s he purchased a large group of documents belonging to the Chapman estate, of which these receipts were a part.  Kolbe purchased them from New York dealer, Freddie Warner, who in turn had bought the documents from New York dealer Ed Rice in the mid-1950s. Rice purchased the documents in Philadelphia along with many Chapman catalogs, took them to his farm near Cranbury, New Jersey, and proceeded to sell off the items over the years.

The 1916 issue is the most common of all the dollars struck in gold, coming up more often than other dates. The receipts list only 25 struck in gold and 50 in silver, but who knows if there were others struck for which no receipts have been discovered?

Listed in the Illustrated Catalog of Chinese Coins by E. Kann, 1916, 1 Dollar YUAN SHIH-KAI Hung Hsien Gold Coin (dated in Chinese – Beginning of the Hung Hsien Period) 39 mm in diameter, 3 mm thick, as #1560.

Many events occurred in the early years of the Republic of China and many interesting events took place at the Philadelphia Mint at the time.  Following is historical speculation of what possibly happened behind the scenes in those early years:

Quoted from ‘The Illustrated Catalog of Chinese Coins’ by E. Kann, 1966:

In the summer of 1915, a movement began in favor of the re-establishment of a monarchy.  A Convention of Citizens’ Representatives was summoned to decide the problem and voted unanimously in favor of the establishment of a Constitutional Monarchy, with Yuan Shih-kai as emperor.  Before the enthronement could have taken place, a rebellion in Yunnan Province had assumed proportions too serious to make such a step prudent, and a mandate of February 23, 1916, postponed the date of accession indefinitely.

Another reliable source (see “Donald of China”, by E.A. Selle, 1948) asserts that Yuan was surreptitiously crowned as emperor, but that such action was cancelled by a Mandate issued by Yuan Shih-kai on March 21, 1916.  To quote literally: “In mid-December (1915), and after a unanimous convention of district delegates at Peking, Yuan, in a private and lavish ceremony, ascended the throne in the great throne-room in the Forbidden City.  A system of royalty was set up.  Friends of Yuan became barons, dukes and earls.  For himself he took the title of ‘HUNG HSIEN’.” On page 179 of the said book it is written: “On March 1 (1916) Yuan issued a Mandate canceling the monarchy and restoring the republic.  Once again, Yuan was just ‘Mr. President’.”

On June 6, 1916, Yuan Shih-kai died, and with him the monarchial scheme.  As will be seen, gold, silver and copper coins with the confidently expected monarchial title styled HUNG HSIEN were actually struck in preparation of the auspicious event.

Did any of these events actually happen? Were any of these coins even produced in China? It is entirely possible that Henry Chapman had these “medals” made at the Philadelphia Mint to market as intriguing collectables based on murky knowledge and romanticized ideas of what actually took place in China a few years earlier.

China Yuan Shih Kai Gold 10 dollars 1919

China Yuan Shih-kai Gold 10 Dollars Year 8 (1919)

Obverse: Bust of Yuan Shih-kai as Hung Hsien.

Reverse: Value in wreath

Yuan Shih Kai 

Yuan Shih Kai (1859AD-1916AD) was born in Hsiang-Cheng of Honan Province in the 9th year of the Hsien Fung reign. In 1882, he followed the Commander of Anhui Army, Wu Chang-Ch'ing went to Korea to help the Korean King training a new imperial army. In 1884, he was recalled back to China. By the help of Li Hung-chang , he became a 3rd-grade official in charge of training a modern army at Hsiao-Chan near Tientsin in 1895. Later, he was promoted to the position of assistant minister in charged of military training, as he pretended to support institutional reforms. In 1897, he promoted as the Governor of Shantung Province, and two years later he was promoted again to be the Governor of Chihli Province. In 1901 he promoted as the Minister of Peiyang, gradually becoming the leader of the Peiyang warlords, as he won the trust of Empress Dowager Szu Hsi. Yuan took part in the suppression of Boxers insurgent in 1900. In 1907, Yuan was summoned to the court to became a Grand Minister of the Privy Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs. After Dowager Empress died, he was stripped of all his offices in 1909. 

In 1911, when the revolutionary uprising broke out, Yuan appeared as the only man who could lead the country to peace and unity. He was the Prime Minister of the Qing Government at that time. With the support of the imperialist power, Yuan forced Emperor Hsuen Tung to give up his throne. After the unification of North and South China, Yuan Shih Kai took presidency in the first year of the Republic on 12 Feb. 1912. But Yuen attempted to be an absolute monarch of the Empire. While Yuan was in complete control of the government, Yuan mobilized public opinion to make popular the idea that constitutional monarchy could save China. In 1915, Yuan accepted the Japanese imperialists' 21 Demands which were guiding China into a colony. 

He preclaimed himself Emperor at Peking on 12 Dec. 1915, reign title as "Hung Shuan or Hung Hsien" which lasted only 83 days (12 Dec1915-22 Mar1916). Many provincial governor-generals did not accept Yuan as emperor. Facing strong opposition and in the absence of foreign support, Yuan was forced to abolish the monarchy in March 1916, and remained the president until he died on 6 June 1916. Later, those who had been under Yuan became warlords. These caused China then to become divided and the Warlord Era had begun.

China Yuan Shih Kai Gold 20 dollars 1919

China Yuan Shih-kai Gold 20 Dollars Year 8 (1919)

Obverse: Bust of Yuan Shih-kai as Hung Hsien.

Reverse: Value in wreath

This coin bears the effigy of an influential leader from China’s early Republican period, Yuan Shih-Kai. Like most historical figures Yuan Shih-Kai’s legacy is complex and fraught with negative repercussions. Yuan Shih-Kai, an important general and politician, is best known for his military reforms and his role in the transition from monarchy to a republic in China at the turn of the century. Yuan’s greatest achievement turned out to be a double-edged sword, as his military reforms fostered a loyalty that resulted in rival warlords competing with each other after his death. This fractioning of the army, coupled with his bid to restore the monarchy (with himself as emperor) eroded the ideals of the Republican movement he helped establish years earlier. Despite this, his coinage proved immensely popular during its time, and was minted for nearly ten years after his death. Yuan Shih-Kai, despite his tarnished legacy, remains an important figure in Chinese history and his coinage ensures that his history will endure.

Early 20th century China saw many attempts at the institution of a gold currency standard. This 20 Dollar piece (along with a similar 10 Dollar piece) was ordered to be minted at the Tientsin Mint, but as gold reserves were lacking, only a small number were produced. Kann notes that the few examples minted were quickly snatched up by numismatists before they entered circulation. The obverse design features the familiar left facing portrait of Yuan Shih-Kai, despite the fact that he died nearly three years earlier (in 1916). The obverse design is simplistic yet artfully done, without any form of inscription, either in English or Chinese. The recognizable bust of Yuan Shih-Kai in military dress appears within a decorative border. The reverse features the same decorative outer border, along with the well-known wreath surrounding the vertical expression of denomination in Chinese characters (20 Dollars). The upper Chinese legend states, “Made in the Eighth Year of the Chinese Republic.” This rare piece expresses the ongoing flirtation between China and the gold standard, and also exemplifies the complicated feelings held for General and politician turned autocrat Yuan Shih-Kai. These coins have been highly desirable and collected for their near-century of existence in collections.

China Gold Dollar 1924 Tuan Chi-Jui

China Gold Dollar 1924 Tuan Chi-Jui 

Tuan Chi Jui. Commemorates the "Peaceful Unification" of China.

Republic of China. Tuan Chi-jui Gold Dollar ND (1924) MS64 NGC, Kann-1577, L&M-1097, KM-Pn73.
Obverse: 3/4 facing bust, of Tuan Chi-jui, with nine Chinese characters above meaning, "Commemorative Issue of the Seizure of the Government by the Republic of China."
Reverse: Two characters, in seal script, translating to "Peace," within a wreath.

China Yunnan Gold 10 Dollars 1919

China Yunnan province Gold 10 Dollars ND 1919

Obverse Description: Bust of General Tang Jiyo (T'ang Chi-yao) facing 3/4 left in military uniform; around above, seven Chinese characters
Reverse Description: At centre within a circle of beads; crossed flags with a five-pointed star between the tops and the English numeral 1 below; around above, eight Chinese characters; around below; five Chinese characters

Edge Description: Milled
Minted by Kunming Mint, China, 1919
Composition: Gold
Fineness: 0.7500
Weight: 8.5000g
AGW: 0.2050oz
Diameter: 23mm

General Tang Jiyao was a warlord and military governor of Yunnan. In 1915 he announced the independence of Yunnan, issuing coins with his portrait from 1916 until 1919. He established official opium trafficking from Yunnan, where the poppy grew, offering monopolies and licenses while gathering taxes on the trade.

China Silver Bamboo Dollar 1949 Kweichow Province

China Kweichow Province Silver “Bamboo Dollar” Year 38 (1949)

Obverse: Square window in pavilion
Obverse Legend: Chung Hua Min Kuo (year) Nien
Composition: Silver
Weight: 26.4 gram
Note: Many counterfeits exist.

Classic Chinese numismatic rarity - the famous “Bamboo Dollar” from Kweichow Province.  According to Kann, this “dollar” was issued as rampant inflation in the 1940s devalued paper currency in China leading some provinces to begin minting their own metallic money. Minted in the “38th year of the Republic” (1949) this coin shows an incredible level of artistry and does not seem to have entered circulation, remaining as an essay piece. The scarcity of this piece can be partially attributed to the historical events unfolding around the time period. In the late 1940s the Chinese Civil War resumed, with the communist forces controlling Beijing and other major Kuomintang cities came under Communist control. As these were minted during this tumultuous period (under the Republican government), these republican coinage designs were most likely buried (leading to often seen corrosion on this issue), hidden away in stashes (providing excellent collectible examples) or simply destroyed by the communist government and repurposed. As such, this coinage type from the twilight of the mainland Republic of China is a scarce type and with its beautiful design stands among the classic Chinese numismatic rarities.

The obverse design contains a stunning image of an iconic three story Chinese pavilion known as the Jiaxiu Tower (First Scholar’s Tower). The name Jiaxiu hails from the Ming dynasty era when the tower was built and means “getting the very best in Imperial examinations”. The building was a place to live and study for these “number one scholars”, and records indicate that three such officials honored the city by residing there. Standing at 66 feet high the tower is adorned with green tiles, red pillars, artistically engraved windows and stunning white stone parapets. This architectural marvel sits atop the Fuyu Bridge over the Nanming River, and casts a wonderful reflection in the water (especially at night when hundreds of lanterns are lit). A single Chinese character (Kuo) is found on the door to the pavilion, which refers to the then governor of the province, Kuo Tseng Kuang. The initials “TLK” appear just below the door of the pavilion and are speculated to refer to the engraver of the coin. Two varieties exist for this “Bamboo Dollar”, and are identified by the window in the top story, with this being the “round window” variety. An ornate border surrounds the Jiaxiu Tower on bridge design, with descriptive legends around. The upper legend states: “38th Year of the Republic of China” which means the year 1949. Beautiful rosettes separate the upper legend from the lower legend which states: “Made in Kweichow Province”. The reverse design offers this coin its informal title of “Bamboo Dollar”; three stems of bamboo with leaves are encompassed by a saw-tooth border, followed by a beaded border and finally a crenulated outer border. The Chinese characters for “One Dollar” appear at either side of the Bamboo image.

China Kwangtung Province Silver 20 Cents 1924

China Kwangtung Province Silver 20 Cents Year 13 - 1924

Obverse Legend: Chung Hua Min Kuo (year) Nien
Reverse: Bust of Sun Yat-Sen
Reverse Legend: KWANG-TUNG PROVINCE
Composition: Silver
Weight: 5.3000g

Chinese Silver Dollar 1921 Hsu Shih-chang

Chinese Silver Dollar 1921 Hsu Shih-chang , Year 10 (1921).

Obverse: 3/4 facing bust of President Hsu Shih-chang.
Reverse: Entrance to pavilion.
Reeded edge.

Silver commemorative coin from China’s Republic Era. This coin was struck in the tenth year of the Republic of China (1921). It commemorates the fifth president of the Republic of China, Hsu Shih Chang, who held the longest presidency during the chaotic warlord era. As Yuan Shih-Kai’s closest friend and Premier (akin to Secretary of State) Hsu Shih Chang was integral to the early Republican government. Hsu resigned as Premier to protest Yuan Shih-Kai’s attempt to revive the monarchy and place himself as emperor. Once Yuan abandoned his Imperial ambition Hsu resumed his post as Premier. Hsu was president from 1918 to 1922 and also holds the distinction for being one of the few civilians to become President during this era.
To commemorate the third year of his tenure as President, Hsu Shih Chang commissioned the Tientsin Mint to strike souvenir silver coins in his image. A limited number were struck in gold and presented to high officers of state. Two varieties exist, one with a lower inscription and rosettes and one without these items. The obverse design features a prominent portrait of Hsu Shih Chang in civilian clothing, facing three quarters left. The bust appears very regal and noble. The reverse design features an elaborate pavilion scene which shows four attendants filing up the steps into the building. To the left of the pavilion four Chinese characters are inscribed which read: “Benevolent Birthdays always continue”. The upper legend (also in Chinese) displays: “Chinese Republic, tenth year, ninth month”. Rosettes delineate the upper legend from the lower, and the lower three characters designate this as a “Commemorative Coin”.

China Silver Dollar 1923‎ Tsao Kun in military uniform

China 1923 Silver Dollar‎ Tsao Kun in military uniform.

Obverse: Facing bust of President Tsao Kun in military uniform.
Reverse: In commemoration of the Promulgation of the Constitution; in Chinese - military and national flags crossed.

Tsao Kun
Cao Kun (Courtesy name: Zhongshan (仲珊)) (December 12, 1862 – May 15, 1938) was a President of Republic China and military leader of the Zhili clique in the Beiyang Army, he also served as trustee of the Catholic University of Peking.
Cao Kun infamously acquired the presidential office by openly bribing assembly members with 5,000 silver dollars each. This episode brought disrepute to the Beiyang government and its assembly, which lacked a quorum to even hold elections. It turned all the rival factions against him and his own clique began suffering from dissension.
One of his first acts as president was to promulgate the 1923 constitution of China. Hastily drafted by the guilt-ridden assembly, it was deemed the most democratic and progressive yet, but like previous charters it was ignored completely.
During a war against Zhang Zuolin in October 1924, Cao was betrayed and imprisoned by his General Feng Yuxiang in the Beijing coup. Feng occupied Beijing and forced Cao to resign. He was released two years later as a goodwill gesture by Feng to Wu Peifu.
Cao died in his home at Tianjin in May 1938.

China Silver Auto Dollar Kweichow Province 1928

China Silver Auto Dollar Kweichow Province Year 17 (1928)

The Year 17 (1928) Auto dollar from China’s Kweichow Province is probably the most famous commemorative Chinese coin of the 20th century.
The coin celebrates an era when road construction wasn’t just another hassle of day-to-day life, but rather something to celebrate.
The silver dollar was issued by Kweichow Governor Chow Hsi Chien to celebrate the first (paved, presumably) road in the province. The automobile on the obverse of the coin is reportedly the governor’s own automobile.

From 1927 to 1929, a Chinese warlord by the name of Zhou Xicheng ordered the production of a special commemorative coin to celebrate the construction of the Kweichow Provincial Highway, which he had recently built within his province. Like any good warlord, he also insisted that the coin feature an image of his beloved automobile and who else but Zhou Xicheng. After reading this story, you will realize why he probably should have thought twice before desiring to place himself on the coin.
In the 1920s it was almost impossible to travel long distances in China at any decent speed as there were very few roads. Automobiles were also still new, expensive and reserved mostly for the wealthy. Xicheng, as a prosperous warlord, was one of the few who could afford a car. But what use was having a nice car if you lacked the proper roads on which to travel? Our friend Xicheng decided to build a highway which would allow him and his troops to travel much more quickly throughout the province. The highway was named the Kweichow Provincial Highway and, after spending a long time and a lot of money to build it, the warlord could now travel at faster speeds and longer distances across his land. In a sense, he must have felt like he was the king of the world.
Xicheng wanted to celebrate the completion of the highway by having his likeness placed on what is now known as the 1928 Auto Dollar coin. However, his personal advisors strongly urged him not to, as they predicted that if he had his own image on a coin, he would be killed. The warlord finally gave in on not having his image placed on the 1928 Auto Dollar coin. However, he didn't completely give up on the notion of having his legacy on the coin and he still ordered to have his personal car designed on the coin. Surprisingly, he also had his name Zhou Xicheng secretly inscribed within the coin's design.
In order to view his name on the coin it takes some effort and it is necessary to focus on the side of the coin where you can see the car. Under the car's design there are blades of grass representing the brush and grass scenery near the highway that he constructed. If the coin is rotated 90 degrees to the right, Chinese characters with his name Zhou Xicheng can be seen inscribed within the grass blades, also known as the secret mark of Xicheng.
So ultimately, the warlord had his own coin struck, with his own car's image on it and also bearing his name. On the following year it is said that the warlord Zhou Xicheng was driving his automobile on the road that he constructed. He then sped up and left his troops at a distance behind him. Shockingly, he was ambushed by rebel enemy troops and, while trying to escape, he ran out of his car and was left dead on the grass on the side of the road. Were his advisors right by warning him not to put his name or legacy on a coin or was it mere coincidence?
We will never know but one thing is for certain - the story behind the warlord who created this 1928 Auto Dollar makes this coin much more exciting.

China Silver Dollar 1922 Hunan Provincial Constitution Commemorative

China Silver Dollar 1922 Hunan Provincial Constitution Commemorative Dollar

Obverse Legend: THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Reverse: Trigram of the Pah Kwah in grain sprays
Composition: Silver
Weight: 27.4000g

This coin was minted by Chao Heng Ti,  governer of Hunan province, in commemorating the promulgation of the provincial constitution on 1st Jan 1922. On the obverse side of this coin is a design of good harvest with three horizontal bars [The "Ch'ien" hexagram (the symbol of heaven) in "I Ching or Book of Changes", the earliest philosephical work extant in China. The "Ch'ien" hexagram is a sign of good omen.] in the center encompassed by a beaded circle. In the outer circle, the above Chinese characters means the Hunan Provincial Constitution was promulgated and the below characters means on 1st Jan of the 11th year of the Republic of China. On the reverse side of this coin with the official design of iron-and-blood 18-star flag and the five-colour flag crossed within beaded circle in center. Above it is sunflower. [Some of the same kind coin bearing star abone flags].

Chinese Silver Dollar 1914 Yuan Shih-Kai in military uniform

Chinese Silver Dollar 1914 Yuan Shih-Kai in military uniform

L&M-858; K-642; Y-322.1; WS-0094.

One of the iconic Chinese coinage eras is the Republican period and this week’s coin bears the effigy of an influential leader from China’s early Republican period, Yuan Shih-Kai. This elegant coin features a front-view portrait of Yuan Shih-kai, complete in full military regalia. His jacket proudly displays prestigious medals and decorations for his years of service in the military; a sash is visible running across his chest from his right shoulder, and epaulets add a significant degree of prestige to his bust. On the obverse Yuan’s high feathered military hat catches the eye and symbolizes his status at the pinnacle of the Chinese Republican military and government. The most interesting item on the obverse is the name of the engraver, L. Giorgi, found on the right side of the portrait. Luigi Giorgi was an Italian engraver who served as the head designer and chief engraver of the Tientsin Mint from 1910 to 1920. He designed the various Yuan Shih-kai dollar types, among other coins and his work is widely renowned for his artistic abilities. Most of his coins that entered circulation (especially later dates) do not feature his signature. The coins that do bear his signature or initials are all pattern coins. As such, the pattern coins that bear the signature of Mr. Giorgi are scarce, and command a premium over unsigned examples.

The reverse for this piece contains the necessary information for the coin as the obverse featured just the portrait. The upper inscription states in Chinese: “To commemorate the union of the Republic of China.” An elaborate rosette composed of a cross within a diamond with four circles separates the upper legend from the lower English legend of “One Dollar.” A border separates the outer inscriptions and the inner design of a good harvest. Two sprigs of grain form a wreath around the two Chinese symbols denoting “One Yuan (Dollar).”

Like most historical figures Yuan Shih-Kai’s legacy is complex and fraught with negative repercussions. Yuan Shih-Kai, an important general and politician, is best known for his military reforms and his role in the transition from monarchy to a republic in China at the turn of the century. Yuan’s greatest achievement turned out to be a double-edged sword, as his military reforms fostered a loyalty that resulted in rival warlords who competed with each other after his death. This fractioning of the army, coupled with his bid to restore the monarchy (with himself as emperor), eroded the ideals of the Republican movement he helped establish years earlier. Despite this negative association from later historians, his coinage proved immensely popular during its time, and was minted for nearly ten years after his death. Yuan Shih-Kai remains an important figure in Chinese history and his coinage ensures that his history will endure.

Chinese Coins Pattern for the 1914 Yuan Shih-kai Dollar Signed by L. Giorgi

Chinese Coins Pattern for the 1914 Yuan Shih-kai Dollar Signed by "L. Giorgi", Tientsin Mint.

L&M-73; KM-Pn33; WS-0167.

Vastly different from the adopted type as this piece features a three-quarters facing portrait of Yuan Shih-kai, rather than the left facing portrait found on the circulation issues. The artist's signature "L. Giogri" is found to the right of Yuan Shih-kai's portrait at 4 o'clock.

China Yunnan 50 Cents - 3 Mace 6 Candareens 1916 Tang Ji-Yao Commemorative Silver Coin

China Yunnan 50 Cents = 3 Mace 6 Candareens 1916 Tang Ji-Yao Commemorative Silver Coin

L&M-862; K-674; Y-480; WS-0693.

Obverse: Chief of the Army Tang; in Chinese - head of Tang Ji Yao - right profile.
Reverse: In memory of a Protector of the Republic, K'uping 3 Mace and 6 candareens; in Chinese - military and national flags crossed, star above.

Tang Jiyao (simplified Chinese: 唐继尧; traditional Chinese: 唐繼堯; pinyin: Táng Jìyáo; Wade–Giles: T'ang Chi-yao) (1883 – May 23, 1927) was a Chinese general and warlord of Yunnan during the Warlord Era of Republican China. Tang Jiyao was military governor of Yunnan from 1913-1927.

Mace
A mace (Chinese: 錢; pinyin: qián; Hong Kong English usage: tsin; Southeast Asian English usage: chee) is a traditional Chinese measurement of weight in East Asia that was also used as a currency denomination. It is equal to 10 candareens and is 1⁄10 of a tael or approximately 3.78 grams. A troy mace is approximately 3.7429 grams. In Hong Kong, one mace is 3.779936375 gramme. and in Ordinance 22 of 1884, it is 2⁄15 oz. avoir. In Singapore, one mace (referred to as chee) is 3.77994 grammes.
In imperial China, 10 candareens equaled 1 mace which was 1⁄10 of a tael and, like the other units, was used in weight-denominated silver currency system. A common denomination was 7 mace and 2 candareens, equal to one silver Chinese yuan.

Like other similar measures such as tael and catty, the English word "mace" derives from Malay, in this case through Dutch maes, plural masen, from Malay mas which, in turn, derived from Sanskrit māṣa, a word related to "mash," another name for the urad bean, and masha, a traditional Indian unit of weight equal to 0.97 gram. This word is unrelated to other uses of mace in English.
The Chinese word for mace is qian (Chinese: 錢; pinyin: qián), which is also a generic word for "money" in Mandarin Chinese. (The same Chinese character (kanji) was used for the Japanese sen, the former unit equal to 1⁄100 of a Japanese yen and for the Vietnamese tiền, a currency used in late imperial Vietnam, although neither of these has ever been known as "mace" in English.)

Candareen
A candareen (Chinese: 分; pinyin: fēn; Cantonese Yale: fàn; Singapore English usage: hoon) is a traditional measurement of weight in East Asia. It is equal to 10 cash and is 1/10 of a mace. It is approximately 378 milligrams. A troy candareen is approximately 374 milligrams.
In Hong Kong, one candareen is 0.3779936375 gramme and, in the Weights and Measures Ordinance, it is 2⁄150 oz. avoir. In Singapore, one candareen is 0.377994 grams.
The name candareen comes from the Malay kandūri. An earlier English form of the name was condrin. The candareen was also formerly used to describe a unit of currency in imperial China equal to 10 li (釐) and is 1/10 of a mace. The Mandarin Chinese word fēn is currently used to denote 1/100th of a Chinese renminbi yuan but the term candareen for currency is now obsolete.

20 Cents Silver coin 1912 Memento Birth of Republic of China

20 Cents Silver coin 1912 Memento Birth of Republic of China

Obverse: Head of Sun Yat-Sen.
Reverse: Crossed flags (The Iron Blood 18-star flag of the Wuchang Uprising and the Five-Colored Flag of the Republic of China)

Chinese Silver Dollar Coin 1912 Li Yuan-Hung with hat

Chinese Silver Dollar Coin 1912 Li Yuan-Hung  with hat

L&M-43; K-630; Y-320; WS-0089a.

Li Yuanhong (Chinese: 黎元洪; pinyin: Lí Yuánhóng; courtesy Songqing 宋卿; Huangpi, Hubei, October 19, 1864 – Tianjin, June 3, 1928) was a Chinese general and political figure during the Qing dynasty and the republican era. He was three times president of the Republic of China.

China Silver Coins‎

China Republic Silver Dollar 1912 Li Yuan-Hung

China Republic Silver Dollar 1912 Li Yuan-Hung

L&M-45; K-639e; Y-321.1; WS-0091. Li Yuan Hung without hat.

Coin features the effigy of Li Yuan Hung, prominent in early Republican China, who served as the third President of the Republic of China. Li Yuan Hung first served as Vice President to Sun Yat-sen and Vice President to Yuan Shih-kai. He was then elected as President of the Republic of China after Yuan Shih-kai’s death. Nearly five years later, he would return to the office and attempt to counteract the government corruption of the Warlords Era, but he was unsuccessful.

Li Yuan Hung is presented in a three quarter left facing bust, in a military outfit, which is surrounded by a beaded border. The upper legend states: “Republic of China” with two branches of peach blossoms separating the upper and lower legends. The bottom inscription enumerates: “Coin commemorating the Change of Regime.” The reverse design sets this piece apart from seemingly similar and more numerous mintages. This example bears an error in the English inscription: in “TIIE REPUBLIC OF CHINA” the crossbar of the “H” in “THE” is missing. Below the upper legend, the lower inscription states: “ONE DOLLAR,” which is separated by a five-petalled rosette. The inner design – separated by a beaded border – shows two vertical Chinese characters (One Yuan) encompassed by an open wreath of rice and bean stalks. This wreath and its component plants symbolize the unity between North and South.

China 10 Cents Silver Commemorative Coin 1927, Sun Yat-sen

China 10 Cents Silver Commemorative Coin 1927, "Premier Sun Yat-Sen".

Minted in AD 1916, by central government of China. The face is Premier Sun Yat-Sen. This coin was issued to commemorate the death of Sun Yat-Sen.

The face value is 10 Cents Silver Coins (0.1 Ounce Silver Coin)
Krause catalogue No. Y#339,
Lin Gwo-Ming's Catalogue: L&M 849.

China Empire‎ Silver Dollar 1911 Dragon

China Empire‎ Silver Dollar 1911 Dragon

Obverse Legend: Hsüan-t'ung
Obverse Inscription: Tai-ch'ing Yin-pi
Reverse: Dragon

Ruler: Hsüan-t'ung
Composition: Silver
Fineness: 0.9000
Weight: 26.9000g
ASW: 0.7783oz

The Central Mint in Tientsin – operated by the Board of Revenue in Peking – minted a multitude of coinage types in the later portion of the Empire, in an attempt to unify the currency system of China. Unfortunately, China’s administrative disorganization (as well as a lack of sufficient funds) inhibited the reforms from gaining traction. Certainly the revolution overthrowing the monarchy later that year also prohibited their widespread use.

The obverse design for this coin bears the distinctive Asian serpentine Dragon, with this coin known as the “Reverse Type” as it runs head to tail counterclockwise with its tail pointing to the right, while the standard pattern is just the opposite. The regal and imposing Dragon is suspended in midair amid wisps of clouds, and a fiery pearl appears near the bottom of the design. The long wavy whiskers issuing from the Dragon’s nostrils appear like a curly moustache. Two vertical Chinese characters appear which signify the denomination (1 Yuan) and in English along the periphery the English legend states: “ONE DOLLAR”. The toning is magnificent; the even light gray allows for much of the remaining luster to be viewed. Along the periphery the toning becomes slightly more intense, and a multicolored hue is visible. The reverse design contains an all Chinese legend. Between the outer crenulated border and the inner pearled ring the Manchu and Chinese characters form the outer legend. Four Manchu characters appear above, and four Chinese characters below which state: “Hsuen Tung, 3rd Year” (1911). These sets of characters are separated by ornate floral sprays. The leaves in these floral designs contain an incuse vein pattern, separating this coin from other varieties of the type. The central Chinese inscription states: “Ta Ch’ing Yin Pi” meaning: Great Ch’ing (Dynasty) Silver Coin.