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HIS STORY TREASURES PRESENTS
1926 REPUBLIC OF CHINA DRAGON & PHOENIX SILVER 20 CENTS
TIENTSIN MINT • L&M-82 • CCGA MS61
A scarce and historically important Republic of China Dragon & Phoenix silver 20 Cents, struck at the Tientsin Mint in Republic Year 15 (1926).
Certified MS61 by CCGA/保粹, this attractive example features the elaborate Twelve Symbols national emblem—one of the most artistic and culturally meaningful designs found on Republican Chinese coinage.
The exact certified coin shown in the photographs is the coin you will receive.
COIN DETAILS
Country: Republic of China
Date: Republic Year 15 / 1926
Denomination: 貳角 / 2 Jiao / 20 Cents
Mint: Tientsin Mint, Tianjin
Composition: Silver
Reference Weight: Approximately 5.2 grams
Reference Diameter: Approximately 23 mm
Catalog References: L&M-82; KM/Y-335; Kann-681; WS-0115
Grade: MS61
Certification: CCGA / 保粹评级
Certificate Number: BOC38A2638
Strike Type: Machine Struck
Condition: Uncirculated, as graded
Obverse Inscription: 中華民國十五年 / Republic of China Year 15
Denomination Inscription: 貳角 / Two Jiao
Additional Inscription: 每五枚當一圓 / Five Coins Equal One Dollar
THE STORY
In 1926, China stood at a historic crossroads.
The Beiyang government continued to claim authority from Beijing, but much of the country remained divided among competing military and regional powers. At the same time, the Northern Expedition was beginning to transform China’s political landscape and bring the Beiyang era toward its conclusion.
It was against this turbulent background that the Tientsin Mint produced the celebrated Dragon & Phoenix silver subsidiary coins in 10-Cent and 20-Cent denominations.
Although created as practical circulating money, these coins carried an extraordinarily sophisticated design. Rather than displaying the portrait of a political leader, the coin featured the Twelve Symbols national emblem—a powerful attempt to connect the newly established Republic with thousands of years of Chinese cultural tradition.
Only two years after this coin was struck, the emblem would be replaced by the Blue Sky with a White Sun. This makes the 1926 Dragon & Phoenix issue a tangible survivor from the final years of the Beiyang Republic.
THE TWELVE SYMBOLS EMBLEM
The dramatic design is commonly called “Dragon & Phoenix,” but the two legendary creatures form only part of a much deeper symbolic composition.
The emblem was derived from the ancient Twelve Ornaments associated with ceremonial authority in traditional China. Its elements represented ideals including:
• Strength and adaptability
• Peace and refinement
• Light and celestial order
• Agriculture and nourishment
• Purity and loyalty
• Courage and justice
• Stability and harmony
The dragon symbolizes strength, adaptability and the active force of yang. The phoenix represents peace, refinement and the complementary force of yin.
Together, the dragon and phoenix support a central composition incorporating ancient ceremonial vessels, agricultural symbols, celestial imagery and the stylized 亞 character. Flowing ribbons unite the elements, suggesting harmony and national unity.
What had once appeared principally upon imperial ceremonial garments was transformed into a national emblem for a modern republic.
THE DENOMINATION SIDE
The opposite side presents the denomination 貳角—Two Jiao, or 20 Cents—within a wreath.
The surrounding inscription reads:
每五枚當一圓
“Five Coins Equal One Dollar”
This inscription clearly establishes the coin’s monetary relationship: five 20-Cent pieces were equal to one silver dollar.
The combination of Chinese characters, wreath, beaded borders and carefully balanced spacing gives the denomination side a restrained elegance that contrasts beautifully with the complex national emblem.
CONDITION
The coin has been graded MS61 by CCGA/保粹.
It displays:
• Strong Dragon & Phoenix design definition
• Clearly legible inscriptions
• Well-preserved beaded borders
• Attractive gray-silver coloration
• Considerable remaining mint character
• Light contact marks consistent with the assigned grade
• No distracting damage visible through the holder
Please examine all enlarged photographs carefully. Grading is subjective and standards can vary between certification companies. The photographs form an important part of the description.
CERTIFICATION AND AUTHENTICITY
This coin is encapsulated in a CCGA/保粹 third-party grading holder bearing certificate number BOC38A2638.
The certification details correspond to:
Name: Dragon & Phoenix Silver Coin
Date: 1926
Denomination: 貳角
Grade: MS61
Certificate Number: BOC38A2638
The certification can be checked using the certificate number and QR code displayed on the holder.
CCGA is an independent Chinese third-party grading company and is not affiliated with PCGS or NGC. His Story Treasures does not independently assign or alter the grade shown on the holder.
The holder will be delivered intact. The exact certified coin photographed in this listing is the coin the buyer will receive.
WHY COLLECT THIS COIN?
This coin brings together several important collecting themes:
• Republic of China silver coinage
• Historic Tientsin Mint issues
• Dragon and phoenix symbolism
• The Twelve Symbols national emblem
• The closing years of the Beiyang era
• China’s transition from imperial tradition to republican government
• Scarce early twentieth-century Asian silver coinage
It is more than a beautifully designed silver coin. It is a miniature historical document from a period when China was redefining its government, identity and national symbols.
SHIPPING
The certified coin will be carefully protected and securely packaged.
Shipping includes tracking. Insurance and signature confirmation may be added when appropriate. International shipping is available to eligible destinations through ’s approved international shipping services.
RETURNS
Returns are accepted within the period specified in the listing, provided that the original certified holder remains sealed, intact and unaltered.
Please contact us before returning the item so that we can assist you properly.
OUR MISSION
His Story Treasures believes that every historical artifact carries a story worth preserving.
A portion of our proceeds supports charitable and community causes. Your purchase helps preserve history, share its stories and give each artifact a meaningful new home.
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