1 Yuan Memento: Birth of the Republic
| Issuer | Republic of China |
|---|---|
| Year | 1912-1927 |
| Type | Commemorative circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Yuan = 1 Dollar |
| Currency | Yuan (1912-1948) |
| Composition | Silver (.890) |
| Weight | 27.20 g |
| Diameter | 39 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Y#318, Kann#608, L&M#48 |
| Obverse description | Bust of Sun Yat-sen facing left surrounded by Chinese ideograms. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Chinese |
| Obverse lettering |
國民華中 幣念紀國開 (Translation: Republic of China Founding commemorative coin) |
| Reverse description | Two Chinese ideograms within wreath, all surrounded by English legend. |
| Reverse script | Chinese, Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
MEMENTO 壹 圓 BIRTH OF REPUBLIC OF CHINA (Translation: 1 Yuan) |
| Edge | Reeded. |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1912) - With five-pointed stars dividing reverse legend (Y#318) - ND (1912) - With five-pointed stars dividing reverse legend; with dot below ear (Y#318.1) - ND (1927) - With rosettes dividing reverse legend; incuse reeding (Y#318a.1) - ND (1927) - With rosettes dividing reverse legend; misspelled CHINA (`CI IINA`) - ND (1927) - With rosettes dividing reverse legend; misspelled OF (`OГ`) - ND (1927) - With rosettes dividing reverse legend; misspelled REPUBLIC (`REPUBLIO`) - ND (1927) - With rosettes dividing reverse legend; reeding in relief (Y#318a.2) - |
| Numisquare ID | 1466679930 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: The 1912-1927 period marks the tumultuous early years of the Republic of China, established after the Xinhai Revolution of 1911. This 1 Yuan Memento coin, featuring Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the Provisional President, symbolized China's transition from imperial rule under the Qing Dynasty to a modern republican government. It embodies the foundational ideals of the nascent republic, marking a radical break from the past.
Artistry: The design reflects a distinct Western medallic influence, departing from traditional Chinese imperial coinage. The obverse displays a left-facing bust of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, encircled by Chinese characters proclaiming "Republic of China" and "Commemorative Coin for the Founding of the Republic." The reverse features two crossed flags—representing the Wuchang Uprising and the Five-Barred Flag—flanked by plum blossoms, with "One Yuan" centrally placed and the English legend "MEMENTO BIRTH OF REPUBLIC OF CHINA" below.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .890 silver, this 39mm coin typically exhibits varying strike qualities. Key high-points for grading include Sun Yat-sen's hair and ear on the obverse, and on the reverse, the folds and tassels of the crossed flags, as well as the delicate petals of the plum blossoms. Weakness in these areas is common due to die wear or less forceful strikes. Well-preserved examples display satiny luster, though planchet quality can be inconsistent.