In October of the 13th year of the Republic of China (AD 1924), Feng Yuxiang, a warlord associated with the Northwest Army faction, launched the “Beijing Coup”, overthrowing the previously dominant Beiyang government led by Cao Kun, and subsequently expelling the former Qing Emperor Puyi from the Forbidden City. Following this reshuffling of power in Beijing, Duan Qirui, the leader of the Anhui Clique who had previously been defeated and in seclusion in Tianjin since the 9th year of the Republic of China (AD 1920) during the Zhili-Anhui War, emerged as an acceptable leader to various factions. Therefore, on November 24th, Duan Qirui went to Beijing to declare his assumption of the position of “Interim President” of the Provisional Government of the Republic of China.
This silver commemorative coin was indeed minted to commemorate Duan Qirui’s return to power. It was designed and produced by the Tianjin Mint, responsible for minting currency for the Beiyang government, and was presented to guests attending Duan Qirui’s inauguration ceremony.
On the obverse side of the coin is a likeness of Duan Qirui in Western attire, with the inscription “Commemorative Coin of the Republic of China’s Administration” in regular script above. Considering the historical context provided earlier, it is notable that the legend omits the word “interim,” which might suggest a deliberate effort by Duan Qirui to emphasise his authority. The reverse side features a pair of tied sheaves of rice, with the Chinese characters for “peace” in seal script vertically in the centre.
This commentative coin is embedded in a silver dish crafted by the renowned Shanghai silversmith Zee Sung, with the manufacturing period estimated to fall roughly between AD 1927 and AD 1932.
Duan Qirui, a military figure turned politician, established his power base known as the “Anhui Clique” from his hometown Anhui. He held sway over the Beiyang government from AD 1913 to AD 1920. Despite facing accusations of collaboration with Japan and being labelled as a warlord and traitor, he also earned the reputation of “Saviour of the Republic” for three significant interventions.
The first occurred during the Xinhai Revolution when, as a frontline commander facing revolutionary forces, he telegraphed his superior Yuan Shikai, encouraging peaceful negotiations between the Qing court and the revolutionary party.
The second instance took place in the fourth year of the Republic (AD 1915), when Yuan Shikai attempted to proclaim himself emperor. Duan Qirui dissuaded him on five occasions and, following Yuan’s failed attempt and subsequent death, assisted President Li Yuanhong in restoring the parliament and the Provisional Constitution.
The third instance took place in the sixth year of the Republic (AD 1917), when he foiled Zhang Xun’s plot to reinstall the deposed Qing Emperor Puyi and restore the monarchy.
