Li Yuanhong Wearing a Military Cap: Commemorative Gold Coin for the Founding of the Republic of China

<p>Minting Period: Early Republic of China (Year 1912, the first year of the Republic of China). This coin is a gold specimen of the 1912 Wuchang Mint Li Yuanhong in military cap Commemorative Dollar, one of the core commemorative coins marking the founding of the Republic. The obverse features a realistic, full-length bust portrait of Li Yuanhong wearing a military cap. Encircling the central portrait clockwise are the inscriptions "Republic of China" and "Opening of the Nation Commemorative Coin," flanked by intricate floral scrollwork with fine, precise engraving. The reverse displays the denomination "One Dollar" in vertical regular script, surrounded by wheat ears and foliage. The outer rim bears the English inscriptions "THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA" and "ONE DOLLAR," blending Chinese and Western typographic styles—a hallmark of modern monetary reform. Originally struck primarily in silver, the gold specimens were extremely rare, produced solely for presentation or ceremonial gifting rather than general circulation; most were later melted down or kept in private collections. This piece remains in excellent condition, with crisp lettering and raised details, offering significant historical value as a witness to the Xinhai Revolution, research value for early 20th-century minting techniques, and exceptional rarity for collectors—a prized category within Republican-era machine-struck coinage.</p>