CVC & Collectables presents this 1904 (Guangxu Year 30) Kiangnan Province 1 Yuan silver dollar, featuring the rare “HAH CH” variety, certified NGC VF Details. Struck in .900 fine silver and weighing 26.9 grams, this large-format dragon dollar is cataloged as LM-257 / Y#145a.12 and represents one of the most recognized provincial issues of late Qing Dynasty China.
This issue is known for its intricate dragon design, weight-based denomination in mace and candareens, and its mixed-script inscriptions in Chinese, Manchu, and English — all characteristic of the bilingual Qing coinage minted for domestic and trade use.
Coin Highlights:
- Issuer: Kiangnan (Jiangnan) Province, Qing China
- Emperor: Guangxu (1875–1908)
- Date: 1904 (Guangxu Year 30, cyclical year 甲辰)
- Denomination: 1 Yuan
- Composition: Silver (.900 fine)
- Weight: 26.90 grams
- Diameter: 39 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Orientation: Medal alignment ↑↑
- Grade: NGC VF Details — Cleaned, with strong remaining design and character clarity
- Catalogs: Y#145a.12 / LM-257
- Mintage: 44,725,000 (including subtypes)
Obverse Design:
- Central Manchu script surrounded by Chinese ideograms
- Legend translates to: “Made in Kiangnan Province, Guangxu Era, 7 Mace and 2 Candareens”
- Calendar year: 甲辰 (1904), Guangxu Year 30
- Notable for the “HAH CH” pinyin-style spelling in the Manchu legend — a key die variety
Reverse Design:
- Central imperial dragon curled around a flaming pearl
- English legend: KIANG NAN PROVINCE – 7 MACE AND 2 CANDAREENS
- Classic Qing dragon dollar layout used to appeal to both domestic and foreign trade markets
Collectibility:
Silver dragon dollars from Kiangnan are highly sought after, particularly rare varieties like this “HAH CH” subtype (Y#145a.12, LM-257). While noted as NGC VF Details (Cleaned), this piece offers strong visual appeal, rich historical context, and catalog-recognized rarity. A cornerstone for collectors of Chinese provincial silver, Guangxu coinage, or dragon dollars more broadly.
