Fat Man Dollar (Yuan Shih-kai Dollar)

China · Year 3 (1914)

A large silver dollar featuring the profile of Yuan Shih-kai on the obverse and the denomination within a wreath on the reverse.

Country: China
Year: Year 3 (1914)
Denomination: 1 Yuan (One Dollar)
Metal: 0.8900 Silver, 0.1100 Copper

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 23, 2026More china coins →

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Overview

A large silver dollar featuring the profile of Yuan Shih-kai on the obverse and the denomination within a wreath on the reverse.

Historical significance

Issued during the early Republic of China to unify the country's currency system following the fall of the Qing dynasty, replacing various provincial dragon dollars.

Obverse (front)

Portrait of Yuan Shih-kai in military uniform facing left, surrounded by Chinese characters reading 'Chinese Republic, Year 3' at the top. The designer's signature 'L. Giorgi' appears on the right edge.

Reverse (back)

The denomination 'One Yuan' (Yi Yuan) written in vertical Chinese characters, surrounded by a complete closed grain wreath tied with a ribbon at the bottom.

Estimated value

$100-$500+ depending on exact grade and variety

What drives this coin's value

Condition, strike quality, presence of the rare L. Giorgi signature, and absence of cleaning or artificial enhancements.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) with some surface friction and original dark toning in the protected areas.

Mintage & rarity

Millions struck, but highly popular and widely counterfeited. Common dates are readily available, though condition and specific varieties dictate scarcity.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight precisely, verify diameter, test magnetic properties (should be non-magnetic), perform ping test, and examine under magnification for fine details and cast seams.

Notable varieties & errors

Year 3 with L. Giorgi signature on the truncation/shoulder, Yuan Shih-kai with flying birds, and various ribbon or character die anomalies.

Similar coins

Later year issues (Years 8, 9, 10) of the Yuan Shih-kai dollar, Junk dollars, and numerous contemporary counterfeit circulating copies.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place in an inert plastic flip or capsule. Never clean, wash, or wipe the coin to preserve its natural original surfaces and collector value.