Yuan Shikai Hongxian Empire Silver Dollar (Fat Man / Flying Dragon Dollar)

China (Chinese Empire / Republic of China) · 1916 (Year 5 of Republic / Hongxian Year 1)

A rare Chinese silver dollar featuring a frontal portrait of Yuan Shikai in military attire with a plumed hat on the obverse, and a flying imperial dragon on the reverse.

Country: China (Chinese Empire / Republic of China)
Year: 1916 (Year 5 of Republic / Hongxian Year 1)
Denomination: 1 Dollar (Yuan)
Metal: Silver (.890 silver, .110 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 22, 2026More china (chinese empire / republic of china) coins →

Explore Yuan Shikai Hongxian Empire Silver Dollar (Fat Man / Flying Dragon Dollar) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own coins.

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

App Store Google Play

Overview

A rare Chinese silver dollar featuring a frontal portrait of Yuan Shikai in military attire with a plumed hat on the obverse, and a flying imperial dragon on the reverse.

Historical significance

Issued to commemorate the brief and ill-fated attempt by President Yuan Shikai to declare himself Emperor of the Chinese Empire under the era name 'Hongxian'. Due to massive political backlash, the monarchy lasted less than three months in early 1916.

Obverse (front)

A frontal bust of Yuan Shikai wearing full military uniform with ornate epaulets and a tall plumed ceremonial hat (General's hat).

Reverse (back)

A majestic flying imperial dragon facing left, surrounded by Chinese characters reading 'Chinese Empire' at the top and 'Hongxian Era Commemoration' at the bottom.

Estimated value

$50,000 to $500,000+ depending on authentication, provenance, and exact strike/grade, as authentic pieces are extremely rare and heavily counterfeited.

What drives this coin's value

Strict third-party authentication (NGC or PCGS), surface condition, absence of cleaning or damage, and historical provenance.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine details, though authenticity must be professionally certified due to the high volume of contemporary and modern counterfeits.

Mintage & rarity

Extremely rare; considered a pattern or limited commemorative issue with very few authentic specimens surviving.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Be extremely cautious; over 90% of these seen online or in raw form are modern or contemporary counterfeits. Check weight, dimensions, magnetic properties, and diagnostic die markers, or submit to a professional grading service.

Notable varieties & errors

Pattern types with or without signature, and various trial strikes produced around the aborted coronation.

Similar coins

Common Yuan Shikai 'Fat Man' dollars (Y-329) which feature a profile bust and grain wreath reverse, easily distinguished from this frontal hat and flying dragon variety.