2017-02-13 Mon

A Reversed Dragon Pattern Dollar issued by the Central Mint in Tientsin is being offered by Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio in April. Many similar coins were produced to unify the currency system of China. But the reform died down due lack of funds and unorganised administration. Monarchy was overthrown in that year and production was rolled back.

The obverse features the Asian serpentine Dragon. The coin is called “Reverse Type” as the tail of the dragon points to the right in an anticlockwise direction, unlike other designs. The Dragon is amidst the clouds and a pearl is also depicted at the bottom. Two Chinese characters depicting 1 Yuan along with the English inscription “ONE DOLLAR” also appears. The Chinese legend is depicted on the reverse. Manchu and Chinese characters form the outer legend. An inscription reads “Hsuen Tung, 3rd Year” (1911). The unique floral designs separate this coin from other varieties of the type. Another inscription reads “Ta Ch’ing Yin Pi” which means Great Ch’ing (Dynasty) Silver Coin.