02/09/2026
Republic‑of‑China‑17‑Year Kweichow‑Province‑One‑Dollar Silver Coin (Automobile Motif) — A Mark of Modern‑Industrial‑Civilization
China’s modern machine‑struck silver coins served not only as circulating currency but also as vital carriers of the era’s civilization. Among them, the One‑Dollar silver coin minted by Kweichow Province in the 17th year of the Republic of China, commonly known among collectors as the “Automobile Coin” for the automobile motif on its obverse, ranks as one of the most representative provincial‑minted Chinese silver coins.
Struck in the early Republican era, when regional coinage systems had not yet been fully unified, this piece mirrors the development of local financial systems and bears witness to the pivotal historical phase of the gradual rise of China’s modern‑industrial civilization.
The central automobile motif on the obverse renders a modern means of transport through realistic engraving, symbolizing the introduction of industrialization and modern civilization. Automobile‑themed designs are relatively rare on China’s modern machine‑struck coinage. Boasting distinct period characteristics, this coin stands out as a highly recognizable icon within modern numismatic art.
On the reverse, the four vertical characters “Kweichow Silver Coin” occupy the centre, surrounded by the inscription “Minted in the 17th Year of the Republic of China”. Meticulously composed with sharp, crisp characters, it embodies the institutional standardization of official machine‑struck coinage together with calligraphic aesthetic appeal, vividly illustrating the progressive institutionalization of Republican‑era provincial coin‑minting.
This specimen is well‑preserved with sharp details and full striking definition; fine features of the automobile motif remain clearly distinguishable. The surfaces carry soft, naturally‑formed silver toning with mellow metallic lustre, presenting the historical patina accrued over long‑term natural storage. It possesses solid aesthetic and collectible value.
