RZM Fine Arts and Antiques Inc: Ask the Appraiser

Good morning, Jon. I have had this old coin in my possession since my father gave it to me a very long time ago. My father got it during World War II when he was in the army, fighting the Japanese in Burma. It is larger than any American coin I’ve seen. I cannot read what is written on this coin. My question: is this a Japanese coin, and if so, what is its value? I have looked in quite a few coin books over the years and cannot find any information relative to this particular coin. I have read your column for some time now and see that several readers have submitted questions about coins that they inherited. I have enjoyed reading your interesting article each week and learned a great deal. Thank you in advance.

Thomas H. 

Pearl River

Your coin is not of Japanese origin. What you actually possess is a Chinese Yuan Shih-Kai silver dollar, with a silver purity of 89%. In the coin trade it is nicknamed the “Fatman” dollar. Which leads me to believe this nickname is due to the stature of the Chinese leader, General Yuan Shih-Kai, whose bust is prominently displayed on the obverse of the coin. General Yuan Shih-kai rose to power in 1912 after overthrowing the Quiq dynasty. In the next three years Yuan became increasingly dictatorial. In 1914 he dissolved the Chinese parliament and on January 1, 1916, he assumed the title emperor. However, a series of revolts across China and lack of political support forced him to leave the throne just three months later and in June of 1916 he died. This coin was first minted in 1914. As mentioned, it has a silver purity of 89% and weighs 26.4 grams. Like the imperial dragon dollars before it, the Yuan Shih-Kai dollar was minted at the Central Mint in Tianjin and some provincial mints were given official sets of dies as well. The coin was actually designed by the Italian sculptor Luigi Giorgi, who was the chief engraver at the Tientsin Mint from 1910 to 1920. Due to its success, the “Fatman Dollar” was minted for a longer time than any of its predecessors, and in much greater quantity. It was discontinued in 1921. It is further believed the coin was struck again in 1926 for just one year. Your particular coin is dated from 1920. The coin in question should have a plain edge extending the diameter of the coin. This coin seems to have remained in what is referred to as uncirculated mint state condition. It most definitely should be certified and graded by a reliable third-party grading service. I can furnish you with the firm that I have used for many years. Assuming I am correct as to the proper grade level of this particular coin, the current value for this coin is $1,200 USD. Chinese coins continue to increase in value – so much so that counterfeit Chinese coins have made their way onto the market. This is yet another important reason for the necessary grading process. Thank you for reading this column each week. I am glad you enjoy reading it.