1-FEN CHINA GENERAL USE COINAGE  1955 - PRESENT Aluminum, 18 mm diameter. Reverse: National emblem. Obverse: Denomination above wreath, date below. Edge: Reeded. Minted from 1955 to Present with no design changes. Proofs were produced from 1980 to 1986 and from 1991 to 2000. The 1-Fen coins dated 1993 to 2000 were produced in small quantities only for mint sets and proof sets. 1-Fen coins were discontinued after 2000 and a 1-Fen denominated currency was used instead. The paper currency was quick to wear out and the 1-Fen coin was re-introduced in 2005 because it was found to be less expensive to make the more durable coins. It is rumored that, due to reduced demand, the 1-Fen coin will again be discontinued soon, this time forever. Most years, 1-Fen coins were produced either at the Shenyang mint or the Shanghai mint. Some years, they were produced at both mints. The table below gives the most accurate current information on this, but it is possible that other varieties exist. Information on how to differentiate these two varieties is given here. There are reported “trial strikes” that exist, especially for the year 1991.

1-FEN
CHINA GENERAL USE COINAGE
1955 - PRESENT

Aluminum, 18 mm diameter. Reverse: National emblem. Obverse: Denomination above wreath, date below. Edge: Reeded. Minted from 1955 to Present with no design changes. Proofs were produced from 1980 to 1986 and from 1991 to 2000. The 1-Fen coins dated 1993 to 2000 were produced in small quantities only for mint sets and proof sets.

1-Fen coins were discontinued after 2000 and a 1-Fen denominated currency was used instead. The paper currency was quick to wear out and the 1-Fen coin was re-introduced in 2005 because it was found to be less expensive to make the more durable coins. It is rumored that, due to reduced demand, the 1-Fen coin will again be discontinued soon, this time forever.

Most years, 1-Fen coins were produced either at the Shenyang mint or the Shanghai mint. Some years, they were produced at both mints. The table below gives the most accurate current information on this, but it is possible that other varieties exist. Information on how to differentiate these two varieties is given here.

There are reported “trial strikes” that exist, especially for the year 1991.

MINTAGE FIGURES FOR 1-FEN CHINESE COINS

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NOTES:

PURPOSE OF THIS SITE: This site exists to catalog and to provide accurate information and to list buying prices paid for modern coinage of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

COINS INCLUDED ON THIS SITE: This site does not include all modern Chinese coins. Only those designs and series that are currently in demand are included. Most issues after the year 2000 are not included here because of insufficient collector demand.

MINTAGE: Actual mintage figures, when known, are designated by an “a” after the mintage figure. In cases where the actual figures are not known, the planned mintage figures are given. The Chinese mints did not keep accurate data during the early years, and there are constant debates amongst the numismatic community as to the correct figures. Any mintage figures given are the best available, but no guarantee can be made as to their accuracy.

COIN GRADES: Grades listed above refer to Uncirculated (equivalent to MS-65) and Proof (equivalent to PF-68). For a description of these grades, please refer to one of the two recognized grading and authentication services: Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).

CATALOG NUMBERS: Any KM numbers listed refer to the standard Krause catalog numbers for World Coins. The Y numbers are those assigned by R.S. Yeoman (Y#) in his Modern World Coins and Current Coins of the World.

Please email me if you notice any errors or have other information to contribute to this site.

* From 1993 to 2000 1-Fen coins were made for mint sets and proof sets only. Only 20,000 proof sets were made each of those years. The number of mint sets made is not known.