Yuan Shih-kai Silver Dollar ('Fat Man Dollar')

Republic of China · 1914 (Year 3 of the Republic)

A silver dollar featuring the profile of Yuan Shih-kai on the obverse and the denomination within a wreath on the reverse, encapsulated in a grading slab.

Country: Republic of China
Year: 1914 (Year 3 of the Republic)
Denomination: 1 Yuan (One Dollar)
Metal: 89% Silver, 11% Copper
Grade: XF 45 (Extremely Fine, as certified by the slab label)

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 republic of china coins →

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Overview

A silver dollar featuring the profile of Yuan Shih-kai on the obverse and the denomination within a wreath on the reverse, encapsulated in a grading slab.

Historical significance

Issued during the early Republican period in China following the fall of the Qing dynasty, this coin was designed to unify the fragmented currency system under President Yuan Shih-kai.

Obverse (front)

Features the left-facing portrait of Yuan Shih-kai in military uniform with feathered plume, surrounded by Chinese characters reading 'Year 3 of the Republic of China' at the top.

Reverse (back)

Features the denomination 'One Yuan' (壹圓) written vertically in Chinese characters, enclosed by a detailed crossed grain wreath tied with a ribbon at the bottom.

Estimated value

$300-$800 depending on the grading service, exact variety, and toning, with this specific XF 45 slabbed example typically trading around $400-$600.

What drives this coin's value

Surface condition, original toning, accurate weight and dimensions, absence of cleaning or damage, and specific mint variations (such as signature differences or accidental errors).

Grade assessment

XF 45 (Extremely Fine, as certified by the slab label)

Mintage & rarity

High total mintage across various years, but Year 3 issues are heavily collected; common to scarce depending on condition and specific die variety.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for correct weight (26.4g), silver ping test (if raw), magnetic properties (should be non-magnetic), and verify the certification number with the grading company.

Notable varieties & errors

Varieties include 'Fat Man' vs. 'Gan Mantou' portraits, missing signature variations, and different ribbon styles on the reverse wreath.

Similar coins

Sun Yat-sen 'Memento' dollar, Chinese Junk Dollar, and numerous contemporary counterfeit imitations.

Care & preservation

Keep the coin in its protective third-party grading slab. Do not attempt to clean, polish, or remove it from the holder, as this will destroy its numismatic value.