Fengtien Dollar (Kirin / Fengtien Machine Bureau Silver Dollar)

China (Fengtien Province) · 1904 (Guangxu 30th Year)

A silver dollar featuring the facing portrait of a dignitary on the obverse and a rectangular central cartouche surrounded by dragons and bats on the reverse.

Country: China (Fengtien Province)
Year: 1904 (Guangxu 30th Year)
Denomination: 1 Dollar (7 Mace and 2 Candareens)
Metal: Silver (.900 fine)

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 (fengtien province) coins →

Explore Fengtien Dollar (Kirin / Fengtien Machine Bureau Silver Dollar) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own coins.

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

App Store Google Play

Overview

A silver dollar featuring the facing portrait of a dignitary on the obverse and a rectangular central cartouche surrounded by dragons and bats on the reverse.

Historical significance

Issued during the late Qing Dynasty by the Fengtien Machine Bureau, these provincial silver dollars reflect the modernization of Chinese coinage and the adoption of Western-style minting machinery, as well as the tumultuous regional politics of Manchuria at the turn of the 20th century.

Obverse (front)

Features a facing portrait of a Manchu official or Emperor Guangxu wearing a traditional cap and robes, surrounded by Chinese characters and a beaded border.

Reverse (back)

Displays a central rectangular framed box with Chinese characters stating the year and issuing mint, flanked by two stylized dragons and topped/bottomed by auspicious bats (symbols of good fortune).

Estimated value

$50-$200 for cast/fantasy contemporary copies, but genuine authentic rare specimens can range from $1,000 to over $20,000 depending on grade and exact variety.

What drives this coin's value

Authenticity is the primary value factor. Genuine pieces command massive premiums, while fantasy restrikes and tourist copies are worth only nominal metal or novelty value.

Grade assessment

Uncirculated to About Uncirculated details, though this specific piece displays characteristics typical of modern fantasy or contemporary counterfeit strikes rather than a certified genuine mint state striking.

Mintage & rarity

Extremely rare; original production numbers were low, and surviving authentic specimens are highly sought after by advanced collectors.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight, dimensions, and magnetic properties. Many common examples of this specific type are well-known fantasy pieces or modern tourist counterfeits with incorrect lettering sharpness, mushy details, or improper metal composition.

Notable varieties & errors

Various die pairings exist for authentic late-Qing Fengtien issues, though fantasy and fantasy-invented dates/portraits are widespread in the secondary market.

Similar coins

Other late Qing dynasty Chinese provincial dragon dollars and fantasy commemorative pieces produced later in the 20th century.

Care & preservation

Store in a stable, low-humidity environment using inert materials like mylar flips or PVC-free holders. Never clean, polish, or wipe the coin to preserve its original surface and any natural toning.