Tai-Ching Ti-Kuo Silver Coin (Kiangnan Dragon Dollar)

China (Chinese Empire) · 1907 (Guangxu Year 33)

A large imperial Chinese silver dollar featuring a detailed writhing dragon on one side and central Manchu/Chinese inscriptions surrounded by a wave pattern rim on the other.

Country: China (Chinese Empire)
Year: 1907 (Guangxu Year 33)
Denomination: 1 Dollar (Yuan)
Metal: Silver (.900)
Grade: Fine to Very Fine (cleaned surfaces with circulation wear evident)

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 (chinese empire) coins →

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Overview

A large imperial Chinese silver dollar featuring a detailed writhing dragon on one side and central Manchu/Chinese inscriptions surrounded by a wave pattern rim on the other.

Historical significance

Issued during the final decades of the Qing Dynasty under Emperor Guangxu, these dragon dollars were widely circulated in trade and represent a tumultuous period of modernization and foreign influence in China.

Obverse (front)

Features a central coiled imperial dragon surrounded by clouds and flames, with Chinese characters above reading 'Guangxu Nian Zao' (Minted in the Guangxu reign) and English legends 'TAI - CHING - TI - KUO SILVER COIN' along the outer rim.

Reverse (back)

Central beaded circle enclosing Chinese characters 'Da Qing Yin Bi' (Great Qing Silver Coin) and 'Yi Yuan' (One Dollar), surrounded by Manchu script at the top, cyclical date characters ('Ding Wei'), rosettes, stars, and an outer geometric wave pattern border.

Estimated value

$50 - $500+ depending heavily on authenticity, wear, and specific die varieties

What drives this coin's value

Authenticity is the primary value driver due to heavy counterfeiting; overall grade, surface preservation, and exact year/mint variety also heavily impact price.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine (cleaned surfaces with circulation wear evident)

Mintage & rarity

Varies by specific year and provincial mint; generally scarce to rare, especially in high grades

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight, dimensions, and magnetic properties. Many modern counterfeits exist with incorrect details in the dragon's scales, mushy lettering, or incorrect silver fineness. Professional third-party grading (PCGS/NGC) is strongly recommended.

Notable varieties & errors

Numerous die varieties exist involving the size of the pearls, number of clouds, scaling of the dragon, and placement of stars or rosettes.

Similar coins

Other Chinese provincial dragon dollars (e.g., Peiyang, Kwangtung, Szechuan) and numerous modern fantasy or counterfeit restrikes.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges only with clean, cotton gloves. Store in a cool, dry, inert environment such as an archival coin flip or slab. Never clean, polish, or wash the coin.