Szechuan Province 7 Mace and 2 Candareens (Dragon Dollar)

China (Imperial / Szechuan Provincial Mint) · 1901-1908

Large Chinese imperial silver dragon dollar featuring intricate scale and cloud motifs with traditional Chinese characters surrounding a central rosette.

Country: China (Imperial / Szechuan Provincial Mint)
Year: 1901-1908
Denomination: 7 Mace and 2 Candareens (1 Dollar)
Metal: Silver (.890 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 (imperial / szechuan provincial mint) coins →

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Overview

Large Chinese imperial silver dragon dollar featuring intricate scale and cloud motifs with traditional Chinese characters surrounding a central rosette.

Historical significance

Struck during the late Qing Dynasty under the reign of Emperor Guangxu, these provincial machine-struck silver dollars were modeled after foreign trade dollars (such as the Mexican 8 Reales) to facilitate commerce amidst currency reform.

Obverse (front)

Features a central Manchu-Chinese inscription reading 'Guang Xu Yuan Bao' surrounded by four Chinese characters reading 'Szechuan Province-Made', flanked by rosette ornaments.

Reverse (back)

Features a majestic Chinese imperial dragon facing forward, grasping a flaming pearl amidst clouds, encircled by the English legend 'SZECHUAN PROVINCE' and '7 MACE AND 2 CANDAREENS'.

Estimated value

$100-$300 for heavily circulated examples; $500-$2,000+ for higher grade or uncirculated specimens depending on certification and specific variety.

What drives this coin's value

Surface preservation, sharpness of the dragon's scales and central pearl, absence of cleaning or heavy marks, and authentication by a major grading service (NGC or PCGS).

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) with light cabinet friction, strong details on the dragon's scales, and natural original toning.

Mintage & rarity

Scarce to rare depending on the exact year and surviving population; many were melted down or heavily circulated.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Watch out for modern cast or die-struck counterfeit forgeries containing incorrect metal weight, magnetic properties, or mushy design details. Always verify dimensions and specific gravity.

Notable varieties & errors

Various rosette placements, subtle character variations, and rare mule or die-break errors.

Similar coins

Other Chinese provincial dragon dollars from Yunnan, Kwangtung, Kiangnan, and Peiyang provinces.

Care & preservation

Handle only by the edges wearing clean cotton gloves. Never clean, wash, dip, or polish the coin, as this permanently destroys original surfaces and severely degrades numismatic value. Store in a stable, low-humidity environment using inert holders such as PVC-free flips or slabs.