CVC & Collectables presents this 1920 China Silver Dollar (1 Yuan) was issued during Year 9 of the Republic of China and features the famous portrait of Yuan Shih-kai (Yuan Shikai). Attributed as L&M-77, this classic Chinese “Fat Man Dollar” has been certified NGC AU55, retaining strong detail with only light circulation wear.
Coin Highlights:
- Country: China
- Year: 1920 / Republic Year 9
- Denomination: 1 Yuan (Dollar)
- Attribution: L&M-77
- Portrait: Yuan Shih-kai (Yuan Shikai)
- Composition: Silver
- Weight Standard: Approximately 26.4 grams
- Grade: NGC AU55
- Obverse: Left-facing portrait of Yuan Shih-kai in military uniform with the Republic of China inscription and Year 9 date.
- Reverse: Chinese characters 壹圓 (One Yuan) surrounded by an ornate wreath.
- Certification: Authenticated and graded by NGC.
Design & Devices
The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Yuan Shih-kai wearing a military uniform. Chinese characters surrounding the portrait identify the Republic of China and designate the coin as a Year 9 issue, corresponding to 1920.
The reverse displays 壹圓, meaning One Yuan, at the center of a detailed wreath. This recognizable design was used extensively on China’s Yuan Shih-kai silver dollars and became one of the defining coin types of the early Republic.
Yuan Shih-kai History
Yuan Shih-kai was a powerful military and political figure during China’s transition from the Qing dynasty to republican government. He became the first formal president of the Republic of China in 1913 and later attempted to establish himself as emperor before abandoning the effort shortly before his death in 1916.
Despite Yuan’s death, his portrait continued to appear on silver dollars for years afterward. Their widespread use in commerce helped make the design one of the most recognizable Chinese silver coins of the 20th century.
Known among collectors as the “Fat Man Dollar,” this series has become a major collecting specialty within Chinese numismatics.
Collectibility
The 1920 Year 9 date, L&M-77 attribution, Yuan Shih-kai portrait, silver-dollar format, and NGC AU55 grade make this a desirable certified example of early Republican Chinese coinage. Find more like it here!
