That's Right, "Junk Dollars". In 1932 The Republic of China minted 2,250,000 Silver (.7555 actual silver weight) dollars with a bust of Sun Yat-sen facing left on the obverse and a junk (Chinese boat) on the reverse. Also, on the reverse, above the junk are three flying birds and, a rising sun with rays, is on the right. The date on the coin, in Chinese, is 21 for year 21. In China the year of the coin was depicted by the number of years the ruler was in power. i.e., Sun Yat-sen ruled for 23 years so coins minted during years 21, 22 and 23 carry the Chinese character for year 21, year 22 and 23. In year 22 (1933), 46,400,000 junk silver (same actual silver weight as year 21) dollars were minted with the same obverse, but the reverse was minus the flying birds and the rising sun. In year 23 (1934) 128,740,000 junk dollars were minted with the same criteria as year 22. These junk dollars proved to be such a popular form of exchange around the provinces of China and around the world China restruck another 46,400,000 of the year 22 dollars and another 128,740,000 year 23 dollars. In 1949 China contracted with three United States mints to mint another 30,000,000 "junk dollars" dated year 23. The 1932 (year 21) "Junk Dollar" prices list at $100.00 in VG, $175.00 in fine, $300,00 in VF, $400.00 in XF, and $600.00 in Unc. The 1933 (year 22) "Junk Dollar" prices list at $7.50 in VG, $12.50 in F, $15,00 in VF, $20.00 in XF, and $50.00 in Unc. The 1934 (year 23) "Junk Dollar" prices list at $7.25 in VG, $9.50 in F, $12.50 IN VF, $15.00 in XF, and $30.00 in Unc. The yr 22 (1933)(1933) "Junk Dollar" prices list at $4.00 in VG, $12.50 in F, $15.00 in VF, $20.00 in XF, and $45.00 in Unc. The yr 23 (1934)(1934) "Junk Dollar" prices list at $3.00 in VG, $9.00 in F, $12.50 in VF, $15.00 in XF, and $25.00 in Unc. Hope this was interesting to you, Clinker
Not quite! Pre-Republic Chinese coins are dated by the Imperial reign, but commencing in 1912 the old mainland government, the Taiwan government, and the Communist People's Republic have all dated their coins by the year of the Republic. Just add 1911 to the Republic date, and you get the western date, so current coins of Taiwan and the PRC are dated Republic Year 95. BTW - Sun Yat Sen never "ruled" China. Although he was the first provisional President of the revolutionary Republic of China, he did not hold that office continuously until his death in 1925, and the subsequent rise to power of Chiang Kai Shek.
It looks like I got my facts wrong on the Dating info of the "Junk Dollars" Thank you Satootoko for straightening me out so the Coin Talk members will have the correct information. Also the info on Sun Yat-sen. Clinker
Hi, I picked up this china republic coin amongst a large bag of coins and was wondering if anyone could help me identify exactly what it is? and whether it is a genuine coin and if so, how much would it be worth. It is 30.5 grams and 45mm across. This is the fist time I have posted a question so I'm not sure if the images have attached, if not let me know and I will try again.
And it's always best to start a new thread when you have a question instead of tacking it on to the end of one that is six years old...
