China 5 yuan 200th Anniversary of Empress of China Ship silver coin 1986

The China 5 Yuan 1986 silver coin commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Empress of China ship honors a landmark event in maritime and trade history. Issued by the People’s Republic of China, this coin marks two centuries since the first American merchant vessel to sail directly to China, symbolizing the beginning of formal Sino–American maritime commerce.

The reverse features a detailed depiction of the historic sailing ship Empress of China navigating open waters. The vessel is shown with multiple masts, fully unfurled sails, rigging lines, and a small flag flying at the top mast. The hull is carefully engraved with visible deck structures and stern details, while stylized waves beneath the ship convey motion across the sea. Chinese inscriptions identifying the commemorative theme appear in the upper left field, with the denomination “5 元” placed below the ship.

The obverse presents a finely rendered section of the Great Wall of China winding across a rugged mountainous landscape. Stone textures, watchtowers, sloping walls, and surrounding vegetation are depicted in layered relief. The country name in Chinese characters curves along the upper rim, with the date 1986 positioned at the bottom. The matte silver surface emphasizes sculptural depth and historical atmosphere.

Struck in silver, this coin is an important part of China’s early modern commemorative series, combining maritime heritage, international trade history, and national symbolism—an appealing choice for collectors of ships, exploration, and world history.

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