This article is credited to Michael Wilson of the North Shore Numismatic Society.
This silver medal was struck by Taiwan on National Day, October 10, 1971, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China. It features a portrait of, then president Chiang Kai-shek on the obverse, along with the inscription “The 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic of China”
The reverse features two joined Chinese characters for the number “10” (++) symbolizing the tenth day of the tenth month of 1911, the day of the Wuchang uprising that ultimately ended two millennia of imperial rule to usher in the Republic of China. National Day is sometimes also called Double Tenth Day. .
Surrounding the double ten characters are some rice stalks, symbolizing the country’s bright future. In 1971, Taiwan was a country that was experiencing economic growth at the time, however, only 15 days later on October 25th, the People’s Republic of China was officially recognized by the United Nations as the sole representative of China. In 2007, Taiwan request for admission to the UN was denied.
The medal itself weighs 17.5 grams, consisting of 80% silver and 20% copper. It has a diameter of 33 mm and a thickness of about 2 mm. The total silver content is 0.4501 troy ounces. Mintage is unknown.
Sources
Images and description are courtesy of the Central Bank of the Republic of China-Virtual Money Museum-Major National Ceremonies. Commemorative Silver Medal in Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic of China. Website: http://museum.cbc.gov.tw/en/P3_3_1.aspx?menu=5&id=14&Eid=98&sub=61
Additional information obtained from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Day_of_the_Republic_of_China
Thank you Michael for your article.
