Taiwan 1 Yuan (Chiang Kai-shek)
Country of Origin: Taiwan (Republic of China)
Year of Issue: 1981-present (Visible date is Year 70 - 1981)
Denomination: 1 New Taiwan Dollar (1 TWD / 1 Yuan)
Composition: Bronze (92% Copper, 6% Aluminum, 2% Nickel)
Brief Description
A small bronze-colored coin featuring the portrait of Chiang Kai-shek on the obverse and the denomination within a stylized border on the reverse.
Historical Significance
This coin is part of the current circulating currency of Taiwan. It commemorates the legacy of Chiang Kai-shek, the leader of the Republic of China who relocated the government to Taiwan in 1949.
Estimated Value
$0.05-$0.25 in circulated condition; $1.00-$3.00 in Mint State
Care Instructions
Avoid cleaning or polishing as it destroys the natural patina and reduces numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place inside an archival-safe holder.
Mint Mark
None (Produced by the Central Mint of the Republic of China in Taoyuan)
Mintage & Rarity
Extremely common (billions minted across the series; the 1981 issue alone had a mintage of roughly 1.1 billion)
Weight & Diameter
3.80 grams / 20.0 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Fine to Very Fine (Visible circulation wear, minor scratches, and darkening/toning)
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of President Chiang Kai-shek facing left. Above him, the Chinese characters read '中華民國七十年' (Republic of China Year 70).
Reverse (Back)
In the center, the denomination '壹圓' (One Yuan) is written. The central text is surrounded by a continuous circular geometric pattern.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition and eye appeal are the primary factors. As a common circulation coin, only high-grade uncirculated examples or rare error variants command a premium.
Similar Coins
The 5 Yuan and 10 Yuan coins of the same series, which are larger and made of copper-nickel (silver-colored). Older 1 Yuan coins from the 1960s are also similar but have different portraits.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Weight and diameter are the best checks for authenticity. Due to its very low face value and high mintage, counterfeiting this specific denomination is rare.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Minor die rotations or strike errors occur but are not widely tracked by major catalogs for this specific high-volume year.
Created At: 2026-06-13T19:21:55.434809