Dr. Sun Yat-sen with Six Stars"English Edition": The Bicentennial of the Founding of the Republic of | Gu Jin Jian Bao
Among the Sun Xiaotou Six-Star versions, there is a special edition featuring the English word "MEMENTO" (commemoration) on the obverse, commonly known as the "English Version." The minting background of this silver coin differs from the regular version – it was a bilingual version specially designed in the early Republic of China to assert the legitimacy of the regime to the outside world. Below, we will analyze its historical context and collection status.
I. The Birth Background of Sun Xiaotou
On January 1, 1912, the Republic of China was established in Nanjing, and Sun Yat-sen assumed the provisional presidency. To commemorate the establishment of the Republic of China, the government decided to mint commemorative silver dollars – the "Sun Yat-sen Founding of the Republic Commemorative Coin." In April of the same year, the Nanjing Mint officially began production.
Key characteristics of the minting background:
- Political Significance – Celebrating the overthrow of the Qing government and the establishment of the Republic.
- Transitional Nature – It was a transitional product before the formal unification of Republic of China silver dollars (the Yuan Datou was not officially issued until 1914).
- International Positioning – The inclusion of English text was intended to facilitate international trade and recognition by foreign residents.
- Symbolic Nature – The "Founding of the Republic Commemorative Coin" was more of a political symbol than a currency for daily circulation.
II. Obverse Design and English Text Analysis
Obverse Text
On the obverse of the Sun Xiaotou, surrounding Sun Yat-sen's central bust:
- Top:"Zhong Hua Republic of China"(Chinese characters for"Republic of China")
- Bottom:"Kai Guo Ji Nian Bi"(Chinese characters for"Founding of the Republic Commemorative Coin")
- Both Sides: Two small five-pointed stars (the Six-Star version has 6 small stars above)
Reverse English + Chinese Characters
| Text Position | Content | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Center | 「 Yi Yuan 」 (Large Chinese characters) | Face Value |
| Both Sides | Grain Pattern | Symbolizes an agricultural nation and abundant harvests |
| Upper Outer Ring | 「MEMENTO」 | Italian/Latin for "souvenir" or "memento" |
| Lower Outer Ring | 「BIRTH OF REPUBLIC OF CHINA」 | "Birth of Republic of China" |
| Surrounding 「 Yi Yuan 」 | 「ONE DOLLAR」 | Face Value in English |
Deeper Meaning of the English Text
The word "MEMENTO" is used somewhat uniquely. It originates from Latin (later adopted by English), meaning "souvenir" or "something that causes remembrance." At that time, Qing government silver dollars simply marked the face value with "DOLLAR," but the Sun Yat-sen Founding of the Republic Commemorative Coin specifically included "MEMENTO" to emphasize its commemorative nature rather than merely its monetary function.
"BIRTH OF REPUBLIC OF CHINA" directly translates to "The Birth of the Republic of China." This English expression was a political declaration prepared by the Republican government for the international community – to inform overseas readers that this silver coin commemorated a new republic, not a continuation of the Qing Empire.
III. Key Features of the Six-Star Obverse Version
1. Origin of the Six Stars
There are 6 small five-pointed stars above Sun Yat-sen's bust on the obverse. The arrangement of these 6 stars:
- Position: Directly above the bust, surrounding the characters"Zhong Hua Republic of China"
- Shape: Standard five-pointed star
- Size: Uniform and consistent
- Arrangement: Arranged in an arc
2. Version Differences: Six-Star Obverse vs. Five-Star Reverse vs. Five-Star Obverse
| Version | Key Features | Rarity | 2026 Hong Kong Buyback Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Six-Star Obverse (Standard Circulating Version) | 6 stars above the obverse | Common | $1,500 - 4,000 (common grade) $15,000 - 50,000 (high-grade certified) |
| Five-Star Reverse (Rare Version) | 5 stars below the reverse | Scarce | $5,000 - 20,000 (common grade) $30,000 - 300,000+ (high-grade certified) |
| Five-Star Obverse (Pattern Coin Grade) | 5 stars above the obverse | Pattern Coin Grade | $180,000 - 950,000+ |
3. Minting History
Approximately 50 million pieces of the Six-Star obverse version were minted (between 1912-1928). It was the mainstream circulating version of the Sun Xiaotou, with about 5 million pieces still in existence. Compared to the 2 million mintage of the Five-Star Reverse and the few dozen of the Five-Star Obverse, the Six-Star obverse is a relatively common version.
IV. Minting Facilities for the Six-Star Obverse Version
Between 1912-1928, the Sun Xiaotou Six-Star obverse version was minted by several mints:
- Nanjing Mint (1912-1916) – Primary mint, main producer
- Wuchang Mint (1912-1920) – Hubei version
- Guangzhou Mint (1912-1928) – Guangdong version
- Tianjin Mint (1913-1925) – Primary Northern producer
The dies from each mint had slight variations, resulting in 3-4 minor sub-varieties within the Six-Star obverse version (e.g., "Nanjing version," "Wuchang version," "Tianjin version"), but the price difference is relatively small (10-30%).
V. Authentication Points for the Six-Star Obverse Version
Point 1: Confirm Star Count
Count 6 stars above the obverse bust – any more or less means it is not the Six-Star obverse version. Note: Severely worn silver coins may have indistinct stars, requiring a 10x magnifying glass for confirmation.
Point 2: English Spelling
Authentic English spelling: "MEMENTO," "BIRTH OF REPUBLIC OF CHINA," "ONE DOLLAR." Counterfeits may have spelling errors (e.g., "MEMENTOS," "BRITH," "DOLAR," etc.). Any spelling error indicates a counterfeit.
Point 3: Sun Yat-sen Bust Details
Authentic busts are finely detailed, especially:
- Hair layers are clear
- Jawline is natural
- Collar folds are distinct
- Ear contours have depth
Point 4: Reeded Edge
Authentic reeded edges have approximately 175-180 reeds, with the teeth perpendicular to the coin surface (90 degrees) and sharp. Counterfeits often have blurry or angled reeds.
Point 5: Weight and Diameter
- Standard Weight: 26.4-26.8g
- Standard Diameter: 39mm
- Silver Content: 89%
VI. Collection Advice for the Six-Star Obverse Version
Entry Level: PCGS XF45 Common Grade (HK$2,000-3,500)
Suitable for collectors new to Republic of China silver dollars. Although not a high-grade item, it allows for experiencing authentic pieces and learning authentication.
Intermediate: PCGS MS62-63 Certified Grade (HK$3,800-8,000)
This is a core entry point for Sun Xiaotou collection. MS62 is already uncirculated, with good original luster preservation, offering stable appreciation potential in the future.
Top Tier: PCGS MS64+ Certified Grade (HK$9,200-28,000)
Top-tier collectible. If the budget allows, an MS65 (HK$15,500) is recommended for long-term investment, with an expected appreciation of 100-150% over 10 years.
VII. How to Handle Sun Xiaotou Coins at Home?
- Count the number of stars above the bust on the obverse – 6 stars indicate the Six-Star obverse version (common).
- Confirm English spelling (MEMENTO, BIRTH OF REPUBLIC OF CHINA, ONE DOLLAR).
- Take clear close-up photos of the obverse, reverse, and reeded edge.
- WhatsApp 98342057 to send the photos; Gujin Jiabao provides free version identification + valuation.
- If the condition is good, it is recommended to submit it for PCGS / NGC grading.
Conclusion
The Sun Xiaotou Six-Star obverse version is the most iconic entry-level collectible among Republic of China silver dollars. Its English phrases "MEMENTO" and "BIRTH OF REPUBLIC OF CHINA" are not just decorative but are also a political declaration from the newly established Republic of China in 1912 to the international community. Understanding this historical background enriches the collecting experience – you hold not just a silver coin, but a testament to China's journey towards a modern nation a century ago.
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