This is a one-yuan silver coin featuring the likeness of Yuan Shikai, minted in the 9th year of the Republic of China (AD 1920) according to the specifications of the Beiyang government’s national currency regulations. The “Year 9 edition” of this coin is characterised by its exquisite and finely detailed craftsmanship, despite being produced in smaller quantities.
The profile portrait of Yuan Shikai on the obverse side, crafted by the Italian sculptor Luigi Giorgi, who served at the Tianjin Mint starting from the 2nd year of the Xuantong era (AD 1910), is considered one of his masterpieces. The design for that particular year is further distinguished by the detailing of the subject’s hair, which collectors categorise as “coarse hair, medium hair, and fine hair.”
The strands of hair on this coin are meticulously crafted and distinctly three-dimensional, indicating that it belongs to the “fine hair version.” The year of production, “Made in Year 9 of the Republic of China,” is inscribed along the upper edge of the portrait. On the reverse side of the coin is the intertwined pattern of auspicious grain, with the denomination “One Yuan” inscribed in the centre.
This 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.
After the Beiyang Government announced the minting of national currency in the 3rd year of the Republic of China (AD 1914), the coin featuring the portrait of Yuan Shikai came to be colloquially known as “Yuan Big Head” among the populace in Asia, and later as “Fatman Dollar” in the west. “Yuan Big Head” coins had four basic versions: “Republic of China Year 3,” “Republic of China Year 8,” “Republic of China Year 9,” and “Republic of China Year 10.” Local mints further developed their own unique characteristics. From AD 1914 to AD 1951, the production of “Yuan Big Head” coins continued, culminating in the last batch minted for the Liberation Army entering Tibet. Rough estimates suggest that the total circulation of “Yuan Big Head” coins surpassed 75 million, making it one of the most representative currencies of modern China.
