Republic of China Year 73 (1984) Chiang Kai-shek One Yuan Coin
Coin/Bullion · Central Mint of the Republic of China (Taiwan), founded 1920 in Shanghai, moved to Taipei in 1949.
Pattern: Standard Circulation One Yuan, Chiang Kai-shek portrait series, introduced Year 70 (1981).
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Central Mint of the Republic of China (Taiwan), founded 1920 in Shanghai, moved to Taipei in 1949.
Material
Copper-Nickel-Aluminum (92% Copper, 6% Nickel, 2% Aluminum) - Note: This item contains no actual silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 20mm; Thickness: 1.57mm; Weight: 3.8 grams.
Description
A standard circulation one-yuan coin from Taiwan, depicting the first President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek. The coin exhibits the typical yellowish tint of copper-nickel-aluminum alloys, often mistaken by casual observers for tarnished silver or gold-washed metal.
Key Features
Features the 'Year 73' date and the high-relief military uniform portrait of Chiang Kai-shek.
Material & Composition
Copper-Nickel-Aluminum (92% Copper, 6% Nickel, 2% Aluminum) - Note: This item contains no actual silver.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with a matte/satin finish; features a left-facing bust of Chiang Kai-shek surrounded by a raised border and Chinese characters.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse: '中华民国七十三年' (Republic of China Year 73). Reverse (not shown): '壹圆' (One Yuan) with plum blossom motif.
Construction Details
Machine-struck on a prepared planchet with a reeded/serrated edge.
Functional Features
Monetary currency intended for daily circulation in Taiwan.
Handle & Grip Details
None (standard circular coin form).
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial minting; crisp lettering and consistent relief typical of high-volume state-run mints.
Authentication Indicators
Correct character spacing, standard strike depth, and appropriate metal color for the 1980s Taiwanese alloy.
Origin & Manufacturing
Taiwan, Republic of China; minted at the Guishan District facility in Taoyuan City.
Era & Period
Modern Republic of China (Taiwan), post-1949 era; 1980s period of economic growth.
Age Estimate
Issued in 1984 (Year 73 of the Minguo calendar).
Cultural Significance
Represents the political legacy of Chiang Kai-shek and the monetary stability of Taiwan during its mid-century industrialization.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition; light surface abrasions, minor edge nicks, and typical oxidation (toning) for a base-metal coin of this age.
Value Estimate
Face value is 1 TWD (approx $0.03 USD). Numismatic value in this condition is negligible ($0.10 - $0.50 USD).
Care & Maintenance
No specialized silver polish needed as it is base metal; keep dry to prevent verdigris (green oxidation).
Similar Pieces
Year 70-100+ Taiwan One Yuan coins. Easily confused with the older, larger Silver Sun Yat-sen Junk Dollars (which contain actual silver).
Interesting Facts
The 'Year 73' refers to the 73rd year since the founding of the Republic of China in 1912. This specific alloy composition is highly magnetic-resistant compared to steel-core coins.