Modern Chinese Varieties: 1996 Silver 5-oz 50 Yuan Unicorn

This month’s featured coin is the 1996 Silver, 5oz, 50 Yuan Unicorn Proof coin. The reverse of the coin bears the image of the western Unicorn (seated) with maiden. The Unicorn can be found with and without beard.

This is an example of the Unicorn “with beard." (Photos 1 & 2).

(Left) 1996 Silver 50 Yuan Unicorn ("With beard" Variety), (Right) Close Up ("With beard" Variety) Click images to enlarge.

This is example shows the Unicorn “without” beard. (Photos 3 & 4).

(Left) 1996 Silver 50 Yuan Unicorn ("Without beard" Variety), (Right) Close Up ("Without beard" Variety) Click images to enlarge.

Both varieties share a common obverse shown below (Photo 5).

Click image to enlarge.

Look for another interesting variety to be featured next month.