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1 Yuan Pattern, Inauguration of Hongxian Emperor, gold
| Issuer | Republic of China |
|---|---|
| Year | 1916 |
| Type | Coin pattern |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A winged Chinese dragon in dynamic flight is depicted at centre, moving to the left with wings spread, scaled body in high relief, clawed feet prominent, and a bifurcated tail curling upward to the right. The creature holds a flaming pearl beneath its body. Four Chinese characters arranged in an arc above read 中華帝國 (Empire of China), while three characters in a linear arrangement below read 洪憲紀元 (First Year of the Hongxian Era). A continuous beaded border frames the entire design. |
| Reverse script | Chinese (traditional, regular script) |
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| Additional information |
Yuan Shikai proclaimed himself the Hongxian Emperor on December 12, 1915, launching a monarchical restoration that collapsed within 83 days under military revolt and international ridicule. These gold pattern pieces were prepared for the anticipated inaugural coinage but never progressed to a sanctioned issue — Yuan abandoned the throne in March 1916 and was dead by June.
The multiple L&M references reflect genuine die differences between recorded specimens rather than cataloging inconsistency. Surviving examples are believed to number in the single digits across all varieties combined.