Chinese Empire Hsuan-t'ung Silver Dollar (Dragon Dollar)

China (Great Qing Empire) · 1911 (Year 3 of Hsuan-t'ung)

A classic Chinese imperial silver dollar featuring Chinese and Manchu inscriptions on the obverse and a detailed coiled dragon surrounding the denomination on the reverse.

Country: China (Great Qing Empire)
Year: 1911 (Year 3 of Hsuan-t'ung)
Denomination: One Dollar (Yi Yuan)
Metal: Silver (.900 fineness)
Grade: About Uncirculated (AU) with some remaining luster and minor circulation wear.

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified August 22, 2026More china (great qing empire) coins →

Explore Chinese Empire Hsuan-t'ung Silver Dollar (Dragon Dollar) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own coins.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Overview

A classic Chinese imperial silver dollar featuring Chinese and Manchu inscriptions on the obverse and a detailed coiled dragon surrounding the denomination on the reverse.

Historical significance

Issued during the final year of the Qing Dynasty under the child emperor Puyi (reign name Hsuan-t'ung) just before the 1911 Xinhai Revolution overthrew the imperial system, marking the end of millennia of dynastic rule in China.

Obverse (front)

Features central Chinese characters reading 'Da Qing Yin Bi' (Great Qing Silver Coin) surrounded by Manchu script above, rosettes on the sides, and the date 'Xuan Tong San Nian' (Year 3 of Hsuan-t'ung) at the bottom within a beaded inner circle.

Reverse (back)

Features a majestic coiled dragon facing forward with its body circling around the central denomination characters 'Yi Yuan' (One Dollar), flanked by clouds, with 'ONE DOLLAR' and floral ornaments at the bottom.

Estimated value

$200-$500 in lower grades, $1,000-$5,000+ in higher Mint State grades depending on certification and exact variety.

What drives this coin's value

Overall state of preservation, strike sharpness on the dragon's scales, presence of original mint luster, absence of cleaning or harsh scratches, and certification by a grading service like PCGS or NGC.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) with some remaining luster and minor circulation wear.

Mintage & rarity

Scarce to rare depending on the specific strike and condition, due to historical melting and turbulent political transitions.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check the weight and dimensions carefully against official specifications. Beware of modern cast counterfeits which lack fine scale details, have incorrect magnetic properties, or feature incorrect alloy compositions. Professional third-party grading is strongly recommended.

Notable varieties & errors

Varieties include differences in flame patterns, cloud spacing, and dot placements around the central design elements.

Similar coins

Kiangnan, Kwangtung, and other provincial dragon dollars, as well as various modern fantasy pieces and counterfeit restrikes.

Care & preservation

Store in a stable, low-humidity environment using inert materials like PVC-free flips or slabs. Never clean, polish, or wipe the coin, as this permanently ruins its numismatic value and original patina.