China’s collectible coin history is as extensive and interesting as you’d expect of such a large, varied, and old country. Coinage stretches back 2,500 years and includes a dizzying array of subcategories for Chinese coin collectors of all types.
The oldest Chinese coins include several non-traditional shapes: stylized knives, ovals, key shapes, and more. Round coins, often with a square hole, are perhaps the most recognizable Chinese coin and were produced in great numbers.
In the 1930s, the Chinese government reformed currency, standardizing and regulating it. Some silver coins were phased out, and in 1949 the Communist government further reformed the currency and finally issued coins in 1955. Coins are available in yuan (元), jiao (角), and fen (分).
See also: Tibet rare coins for collectors and other buyers
1 yuan = 10 jiao
1 jiao = 10 fen
Current Chinese and China-related provincial coins are listed in this section. Check the subcategories for collectible Chinese coins from certain years, of specific Krause Catalog numbers, or sets, proofs, and other types.
