1 Yuan (Inauguration of Hongxian Emperor) 1 (1916) front 1 Yuan (Inauguration of Hongxian Emperor) 1 (1916) back
1 Yuan (Inauguration of Hongxian Emperor) 1 (1916) photo
© PCGS

1 Yuan Inauguration of Hongxian Emperor

1 (1916) year
Silver 26.80 g 39 mm
Description
Issuer
Republic of China
Emperor
Hongxian (1915-1916)
Type
Circulating commemorative coin
Year
1 (1916)
Calendar
Chinese - Hongxian era
Value
1 Yuan = 1 Dollar
Currency
Yuan (1912-1948)
Composition
Silver
Weight
26.80 g
Diameter
39 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#16254
Rarity index
67%

Reverse

Winged dragon flying left with Chinese ideograms above and below.

Lettering:
國帝華中
元統憲洪

Translation:
Empire of China
The 1st Year of Hongxian

Engraver: Luigi Giorgi

Comment

This coin commemorates Yuan Shikai's attempt to restore the Empire of China by proclaiming himself Emperor Hongxian in 1915; however, this attempt was a failure, and the Empire lasted only 83 days.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted in 1916 to commemorate the inauguration of Emperor Hongxian, who was the last emperor of China, ruling from 1916 to 1924. The coin was made of silver and weighs 26.80 grams, making it a unique and valuable collector's item for numismatists and historians interested in Chinese history.