China: The Soviet Era

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China's first communist state existed as the CHINESE SOVIET REPUBLIC between 1931-1937. The self-proclaimed republic was established by Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai in Jiangxi province on November 7, 1931 (the anniversary of the Bolshevik revolution in Russia). The republic was not internationally recognised, but stood as a main opposition to the Nationalist government headed by Chiang Kai-shek. The Soviet regiments were constantly besieged by the Nationalists until in October 1934 where they were forced to retreat from Jiangxi in what would begin 'The Long March' which would last until October 1936. The republic continued to exist in the neighboring territories in which the communist still controlled. On September 22, 1937, the Chinese Soviet Republic was officially dissolved after a peace agreement was formed with the Nationalist government as the 'Second Sino-Japanese War' was dawning. Mao would later defeat the Nationalist government in 1949 and establish Peoples Republic of China.

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The  'National Bank of Chinese Soviet Republic' was established on February 1, 1932, and minted several coins and banknotes until 'The Long March' began in 1934. These didn't circulate long since were not accepted outside the Soviet area of influence. In addition to central government issues, several local issues were struck in areas under communist control. The first specimen is a central issue for the consolidated Chinese Soviet Republic in the amount of 5 Fen issued in 1932. The obverse show a hammer-and-sickle inside the map of China with Chinese legend along the rim. The reverse the denomination in Chinese legend within wheat wreath.  The second and third issues were issued for Szechuan-Shensi Soviet. The second specimen is a 200 Cash coin issued in 1933. These were crudely struck, with the hammer-and-sickle and Chinese legend on the obverse. The reverse shows the denomination retrograded and Chinese legend along the rim. The third specimen is a 500 Cash coin issued in 1934 which is a much more refined pattern as opposed to the previous design. The obverse shows the Soviet arms with Chinese legend along the rim. The reverse shows the denomination and Chinese legend along the rim.



CHINESE SOVIET REPUBLIC~5 Fen 1932



SZECHUAN SHENSI SOVIET~200 Cash (Type 4) 1933



SZECHUAN SHENSI SOVIET~500 Cash (Type 3) 1934