CVC & Collectables presents this 1921 China Silver Dollar (1 Yuan) was issued in Year 10 of the Republic of China and features the portrait of Yuan Shih-kai (Yuan Shikai). Attributed as L&M-79, this classic Chinese “Fat Man Dollar” has been certified NGC XF45, retaining strong overall detail from one of the most widely collected early Republican Chinese silver-dollar series.
Coin Highlights:
- Country: China
- Year: 1921 / Republic Year 10
- Denomination: 1 Yuan (Dollar)
- Attribution: L&M-79
- Ruler/Portrait: Yuan Shih-kai (Yuan Shikai)
- Composition: Silver
- Weight Standard: Approximately 26.4 grams
- Grade: NGC XF45
- Obverse: Left-facing portrait of Yuan Shih-kai in military uniform with Chinese inscription above.
- Reverse: Chinese characters 壹圓 (One Yuan) surrounded by a decorative wreath.
- Certification: Authenticated and graded by NGC.
Design & Devices
The obverse features the recognizable left-facing portrait of Yuan Shih-kai, dressed in military uniform. The surrounding Chinese inscription identifies the coin as a Republic of China issue and gives the date as the 10th year of the Republic, corresponding to 1921.
The reverse displays the denomination 壹圓, meaning One Yuan, prominently in the center. A detailed wreath surrounds the denomination, creating the classic reverse design associated with Yuan Shih-kai silver dollars.
Yuan Shih-kai History
Yuan Shih-kai was one of the most influential political and military figures during China’s transition from imperial rule to the Republic. He became the first formal president of the Republic of China in 1913 and remained a dominant figure in Chinese politics until his death in 1916.
Although Yuan had died several years before this 1921 issue was produced, his portrait design continued to be used extensively on Chinese silver dollars. These coins became an important part of commerce and are among the most recognizable coins of China’s early Republican period.
Historical Significance
The 1921 Year 10, dollar was produced during a politically fragmented period in Chinese history, when regional military leaders and competing governments exercised considerable influence. Large silver coins remained essential to domestic trade, and the familiar Yuan Shih-kai dollar design continued to serve as an important monetary type.
Today, these coins are commonly referred to by collectors as “Fat Man Dollars” and have become a major specialty within Chinese numismatics.
Condition
NGC has certified this example XF45 (Extremely Fine). The coin displays moderate circulation wear while retaining substantial portrait detail, readable inscriptions, and clear reverse wreath elements. Its straight numerical grade indicates NGC did not assign a Details designation to this example.
Collectibility
The combination of the popular Yuan Shih-kai portrait, Year 10 date, L&M-79 attribution, silver-dollar format, and NGC XF45 certification makes this an attractive representative of early Republican Chinese coinage. Find more like it here!
