| Sovereign Rarities Ltd > Auction 11 | Auction date: 16 November 2023 |
| Lot number: 237 Price realized: 1,700 GBP (Approx. 2,115 USD / 1,944 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: China, Republic, silver Yuan or Dollar, Year 1 (1912), General series, Founding of the Republic commemorative, type 2 obverse, bust of Li Yuanhong centre within inner beaded border dividing floral designs, Chinese inscription 國民華中 above round, 幣念紀國開 below round, rev. denomination 壹圓 on floral wreath centre within inner beaded border, English inscription REPUBLIC OF CHINA and denomination ONE DOLLAR round, edge milled (KM Y.321; Kann 639; L&M 45). Graded by NGC as XF Details, Reverse Scratched. NGC Certification 6944741-007 The Chinese inscription translates as "Founding of the Republic of China commemorative coin." When the Xinhai Revolution of 1911 broke out, the Wuchang mutineers (a militant republican group based in Hubei Province) felt the need for a high-ranking and established military officer to be their figurehead in order to give the movement some legitimacy. Li Yuanhong was selected, against his will, due largely to his support for the Railway Protection Movement, as well as his fluency in English. He was allegedly dragged out of bed one night by mutineers who, at gunpoint, forced him to accept the position of military governor of Hubei Province. Though reluctant at first, Li grew to embrace the revolution once it became clear that public opinion was largely on its side, eventually becoming Vice President of the Republic in 1912. Along with the likes of Sun Yat-Sen, Huang Xin, Tang Jiyao and Cai E, Li is considered one of the founding fathers of the Republic. x This item is subject to 5% import duty. Starting price: 1700 GBP |  |
